MICHAEL Strahan took issue with Houston Texans’ Azeez Al-Shaair’s vicious hit on Trevor Lawrence which led to an ejection.
The 53-year-old Strahan went on the rant during the Week 13 edition of Fox NFL Sunday.
GettyHouston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair points to the Jacksonville Jaguars bench after being ejected for a hit on Trevor Lawrence[/caption]
Michael Strahan slammed Al-Shaair’s hit decision on Fox NFL Sunday
Al-Shaair hit Lawrence in the head after the quarterback slid after a scramble late in the first half.
The hit sparked two melees as Lawrence was down on the field for numerous minutes and was eventually taken off on a cart.
Fox broadcasted Sunday’s Texans-Jaguars game and the network turned to studio coverage at halftime.
Strahan took the opportunity to criticize the undrafted linebacker from Florida Atlantic Al-Shaair.
“I think he threw himself out the game,” the former New York Giants defensive end said.
“I personally think he did that because he realized if he had stayed in the game, he was not going to be protected.
“What he did – everybody knows as a defensive player – you don’t do that.”
Strahan continued, saying the play was “so unnecessary because regardless of offense and defense and how you feel, you do protect your play; you protect your guys.
“We have a lot of respect for each other out there on the field, even when you’re competing.
“That was so uncalled for.”
It was Lawrence’s first game back after being out two games with a shoulder injury.
The former first-round pick was ruled out for the rest of the contest with a concussion.
Fortunately, Lawrence did not need to be taken to the hospital.
Al-Shaair will likely be hit with a hefty fine and a potential suspension.
GettyLawrence is taken off the field on a cart during the game[/caption]
Strahan wasn’t the only Fox NFL Sunday star to strongly comment about the situation.
“It’s clear and obvious that Trevor Lawrence is going to slide, but Azeez Al-Shaair, he did something that he shouldn’t have done,” Rob Gronkowski said.
“He’s definitely going to have second thoughts about this, sitting in the locker room, because he got ejected from the game.
“He kind of uses that elbow brace that he has, and he slingshots himself right into the Trevor Lawrence’s head and knocks him out and makes him go stiff, which you never want to see.”
Mac Jones replaced Lawrence at signal-caller.
The Texans went on to claim the 23-20 win.
