The NFL has suspended Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shair for three games for repeated violations of player safety rules after he hit the head of Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence on Sunday.

NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan announced the suspension on Tuesday, adding in a letter to Al-Shaair that the league viewed the hit as “unacceptable” and that his “continued disregard” for player safety rules ” will not be tolerated.” .”

Al-Shair was ejected in the second quarter of Houston’s win over Jacksonville on Sunday after his violent hit to the star quarterback’s face mask caused a concussion.

“You were involved in a game that the (NFL) considers unacceptable and a serious violation of the rules of the game,” Runyan wrote Tuesday. “The video shows you hitting the head/neck area of ​​Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence after he went down feet-first on a slide… You led with your forearm and helmet and offset your head/neck. Throat area a strong blow to opponent if you had time and space to avoid such contact.

Lawrence clenched both fists after the punch – movements consistent with the so-called “fencing response” that can often occur after a traumatic brain injury. He lay on the ground for several minutes as teammates defended him and harassed Al-Shaair.

Runyan said in his letter that Al-Shair “engaged in a fight that escalated when an opponent was dragged to the ground by his facemask,” adding that the six-year veteran “pulled yours away” after being ejected. helmet and again came into contact with your opponent while going down and across the field, resulting in another physical confrontation near the end zone.

Al-Shair has the opportunity to appeal the ban. If he plays the entire three games, he will be eligible to return for Houston’s regular season finale against the Tennessee Titans.

Last week, Al-Shair was charged and later fined $11,255 for hitting Titans running back Tony Pollard late out of bounds. He was also fined $11,817 earlier this year after punching Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson on the sideline in Week 2. This occurred during a scuffle that began after his hard shot at quarterback Caleb Williams near the sideline went unmarked.

“Your lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football and all those who play, coach and enjoy watching it is concerning and does not reflect the core values ​​of the NFL,” Runyan wrote. “Your continued disregard for the NFL rules of the game endangers the health and safety of you and your opponents and will not be tolerated.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.