Nick Caserio told us how he really felt, and it was far from happy.
The Houston Texans executive vice president and general manager spoke on Tuesday ahead of the team’s bye week in the aftermath of the NFL’s decision to suspend Azeez Al-Shaair for his hit on Trevor Lawrence in Week 13. Caserio was clearly irritated at the league’s decision and didn’t bite his tongue this time.
He chose a different route when speaking on the Mario Edwards Jr. suspension in October, who was knocked out four games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
‘I could make a comment about it but probably discretion is a better part of valor on that one,’ Caserio said, taking the diplomatic approach.
That was not the case on Tuesday as a visibly angry Caserio brought a passionate defense of Al-Shaair, who has been dragged through the mud ever since he was ejected Sunday.
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Nick Caserio on Azeez Al-Shaair suspension
After saying that the most important thing is the health and well-being of Lawrence, Caserio shifted his tone to defend Al-Shaair. He said the picture being painted of the linebacker is unfair, before calling out the league for its lack of consistency as it relates to discipline.
‘Let’s look at this season. We have multiple situations, multiple examples,’ Caserio said. ‘(Brian) Branch ejected against Green Bay, plays the next week against us. Derwin (James) ejected, got suspended for one game.’
He added that former Texans safety, Kareem Jackson, was ejected multiple times before earning a suspension.
Caserio took issue with how the league portrayed Al-Shaair’s character in their announcement, saying that no one embodies their program more than him.
‘For the league to make some of the commentary that they made about lack of sportsmanship, lack of coachability, lack of paying attention to the rules,’ Caserio said. ‘Quite frankly, it’s embarrassing.’ Caseri proceeded to add that Al-Shaair has never been ejected or suspended.
‘The picture that’s been painted about Azeez, his intentions, who he is as a person – quite frankly, it’s (expletive),’ Caserio said. ‘It’s unfair to the individual. It’s unfair to the organization.’
In the announcement from the league, Jon Runyan, NFL vice president of football operations, wrote in part:
‘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.’
Caserio pointed out that the Jaguars’ Josh Hines-Allen said following the game that he wasn’t sure if the hit warranted a suspension. The GM added that he believes the many opinions and outrage probably factored into the end result.
Al-Shaair issued an apology on social media Monday morning.
How many games is Azeez Al-Shaair suspended?
Al-Shaair was suspended for three games by the NFL for his hit on Lawrence. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, he plans on appealing the decision.
Has Azeez Al-Shaair ever been suspended?
Despite being penalized for multiple personal fouls throughout his career, many of which resulted in fines from the league, this is the first time Al-Shaair has been given a suspension by the NFL.
When is Azeez Al-Shaair eligible to return from suspension?
Al-Shaair will be eligible to return in Week 18, unless the appeals process shortens the initial three game suspension.