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Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair is under a firestorm of criticism after a disputed play in Monday Night Football versus the Seattle Seahawks. Al-Shaair laid a difficult hit on quarterback Sam Darnold near the sideline, dropping him to the ground after stepping out of bounds.
The Texans were flagged by the officials for 15 yards for unnecessary roughness, but the play still created social media hysteria. Fans were rightfully outraged, with others demanding disciplinary action against the linebacker. Opinions ranged from "Ban him from the league" to "Cut Azeez Al-Shaair," showing increasing anger toward his style and roughness of physical play.
A pattern of controversy
This is not the first time Al-Shaair has been in the news for an on-field debatable behavior. In Week 4 this season, he was fined $17,389 for a late hit on Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward, striking the quarterback after he had let the pass go. Experts suggest that his background of too hard hits raises a question over his sportsmanship reputation as well as the overall reputation of the Texans.
Sports analyst Andrew Siciliano pointed out this trend on Twitter, saying that the league can fine the player again after the hit on Darnold:
Azeez Al-Shaair was fined a few weeks ago for a hit on Cam Ward. He has a history. There may be another letter for that one on Sam Darnold
Implications for the Texans
As the next game aganist is around the corner, the Texans front office is expected to do something about Al-Shaair's behavior. As much as his aggressiveness is part of his playing identity, frequent instances invite sanction, fines, and fan outrage. How they act accordingly may determine both his place on the roster and popular opinion in the long run.
So far, Al-Shaair is still available but meticulously observed, while supporters keep debating whether his physical brand of playing crosses the line in today's NFL.