Houston Texans' Azeez Al-Shaair suspended for hit on Jacksonville Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence

Dec. 3 (UPI) -- The NFL suspended Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for three games for his hit on Trevor Lawrence, which resulted in a concussion for the Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback, the league announced Tuesday.

Al-Shaair dove and threw a forearm into Lawrence's helmet as the quarterback was sliding to end a scramble in the second quarter of the Jaguars' 23-20 loss Sunday to the Texans on Sunday in Jacksonville, Fla.

Lawrence left the game, and remains in the NFL's concussion protocol.

In addition to Lawrence's concussion, the hit also triggered an on-field brawl between Texans and Jaguars players.

In his suspension letter to Al-Shaair, NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan said the linebacker "escalated" that brawl by pulling an opponent to the ground by his facemask and re-engaged in the melee after he was ejected from the game.

Runyan said the league considered Al-Shaair's hit "unacceptable and a serious violation of the playing rules" when issuing the suspension, which is without pay. Al-Shaair apologized Monday for "what ended up happening."

"Video shows you striking the head/neck area of Jaguars' quarterback Trevor Lawrence after he clearly goes down in a feet-first slide," Runyan wrote to Al-Shaair. "You led with your forearm and helmet and delivered a forceful blow to the head/neck area of your opponent when you had time and space to avoid such contact."

Runyan also said the league considered Al-Shaair's multiple offenses for personal fouls and sportsmanship-related rules violations in previous seasons.

"Your lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football and all those who play, coach and enjoy watching it is troubling and does not reflect the core values of the NFL," Runyan said.

"Your continued disregard for NFL playing rules puts the health and safety of both you and your opponents in jeopardy and will not be tolerated."

Al-Shaair, who will be eligible to return after the Texans' Week 17 game against the Baltimore Ravens, can appeal the suspension.

The six-year veteran totaled 68 combined tackles, four passes defensed, two sacks and two forced fumbles through 10 starts this season. He logged a career-high 163 combined tackles over 17 starts last season for the Tennessee Titans.

Houston signed Al-Shaair to a three-year, $34 million contract in March. He is the team's second-leading tackler, trailing only linebacker Henry To'oTo', who registered 76 combined tackles through 11 starts this season.

The Texans (8-5), who are on bye in Week 14, will host the Miami Dolphins (5-7) on Dec. 15 in Houston.