Azeez Al-Shaair Accepts 'Villain' Role in Reaction to NFL Suspension for Lawrence Hit

Azeez Al-Shaair is embracing the villain role after getting backlash for a hit that left Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence concussed.

Al-Shaair indicated that he's not afraid to be viewed as a villain in a social media post on Wednesday.

"If you want me to be your villain, I'll be your villain," Al-Shaair wrote, followed by a middle finger emoji. "See you soon."

He also included a photo of Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker.

Before his post about becoming a villain, Al-Shaair issued an apology to Lawrence for the hit.

"To Trevor i genuinely apologize to you for what ended up happening," Al-Shaair wrote. "Before the game we spoke and I told you how great it was to see you back out on the field and wished you well. I would never want to see any player hurt because of a hit I put on them especially one that was ruled 'late' or 'unnecessary.'"

Lawrence, who was attempting to slide when he was drilled in the head by Al-Shaair, was placed on the injured reserve on Wednesday, likely ending his season with just five games left to play.

Al-Shaair will also have to miss some time, but not for an injury. The NFL suspended him for three games for repeated violations of player safety rules following the hit on Lawrence. Jon Runyan, the NFL's vice president of policy and rules administration, told Al-Shaair in a letter that the hit was "unacceptable" and that his "continued disregard" for player safety rules "will not be tolerated."

Al-Shaair, who is in his sixth season and first with Houston, has 68 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and four passes defended. The Texans will have to manage without the linebacker against the Miami Dolphins plus a pair of tough matchups against the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens.