Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair has been suspended for three games without pay for repeated violations of rules intended to protect the health and safety of players, including a late hit during Sunday’s game against Jacksonville that saw opposing quarterback Trevor Lawrence forced out of the contest with a concussion.

Lawrence was making his return to the Jaguars’ lineup after missing two games with a shoulder injury, but took a savage blow to the head from Al-Shaair while sliding at the end of a six-yard run. The QB was visibly shaken up by the contact and left the field on a cart as his teammates sought retribution for Al-Shaair’s hit.

The former Titan and 49er was ejected from the game for the hit, while Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones was also tossed for his role in the ensuing fight. Less than 48 hours after the incident, NFL vice-president of football operations Jon Runyan issued the three-game suspension, noting that Al-Shaair has had multiple personal fouls and sportsmanship-related rules violations in recent seasons.

“During your game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 1, with 4:20 remaining in the second quarter, you were involved in a play that the League considers unacceptable and a serious violation of the playing rules,” Runyan wrote to the Texans player. “Video shows you striking the head/neck area of Jaguars’ quarterback Trevor Lawrence after he clearly goes down in a feet-first slide…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.

“After the illegal hit, you proceeded to engage in a brawl, which you escalated when you pulled an opponent down to the ground by his facemask. After the referee announced that you were disqualified for the hit and your unsportsmanlike acts, you removed your helmet and re-engaged with your opponent while walking down and across the field, which started another physical confrontation near the end zone.

“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…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 will be eligible to return to the Texans’ active roster following the team’s Week 17 game against the Baltimore Ravens although, under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, he may appeal the suspension. Any appeal will be heard and decided by either Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, Kevin Mawae or Jordy Nelson, the hearing officers jointly appointed and compensated by the NFL and NFLPA to decide appeals of on-field player discipline.