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Trevor Lawrence hit: Jacksonville Jaguars QB doesn't think Azeez Al-Shaair had malicious intent
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- Trevor Lawrence hit: Jacksonville Jaguars QB doesn't think Azeez Al-Shaair had malicious intent
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence met with media for the last time this season from Miller Electric Center on Thursday.
It's the first time Lawrence has talked since the end of November, suffering a concussion against the Houston Texans and opting to have season-ending surgery on his non-throwing shoulder.
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In his first media availability since the hit that changed the trajectory of his and Jacksonville's season, Lawrence called it a "tough situation."
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"I don't think personally attacking the guy is the right answer," he said. "I know guys that know him, and everyone says he's a great guy. I don't know personally. I don't think the hit was right, but I also don't think that, I think if he knew that was going to happen, he wouldn't do it."
Lawrence was struck by Texans' linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair during a scramble against Houston. He was knocked unconscious and was taken off the field by a golf cart.
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Al-Shaair was suspended three games without pay for the hit and received a letter from the NFL which noted his multiple infractions .
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) talks on the sideline during the fourth quarter of an NFL football matchup Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Vikings defeated the Jaguars 12-7. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
"I don't think the hit was right, so I stand by that, but I also don't condemn people attacking the guy personally, because it is football, and things happen fast," Lawrence said. "Like I said, I don't think he's maliciously trying to do that to somebody."
Lawrence said Al-Shaair never reached out to him personally to apologize, but Lawrence isn't holding a grudge. The quarterback wants to move forward, and he encouraged everyone else to, as well.
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"I want to move on from it. It's nothing you do now to the past," he said. "As far as holding grudges and stuff like that. I like to move on, and I got a life to live beyond that."
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Trevor Lawrence: Azeez Al-Shaair hit not right; neither is attacking LB
