Repeat Offender: Texans’ Al-Shaair Under Fire Again After Controversial Hit on Titans QB Cam Ward
Azeez Al-Shaair hit Cam Ward in the face in Week 4, and some are wondering will he be punihsed for the hit.
The Houston Texans won their first game of the season against the Tennessee Titans in Week 4, and things may have gotten physical at some points. When looking back at the game, some think that NFL officials missed a roughing the passer call from Azeez Al-Shaair.
Ward was running out of the pocket on third down in Texans territory, and after letting a pass go, Al-Shaair hit him in the face. A flag was not thrown, and the Titans ended up settling for a field goal. Ward was not hurt on the play, but the league has made it an emphasis to protect the quarterback, and in that case, nothing was done.
At the same time, Al-Shaair is a repeat offender when it comes to unnecessary hits on quarterbacks. Last season, he was suspended for three games after a late hit on Trevor Lawrence. The hit led to both teams getting into an altercation while Lawrence was still on the field, and he had to leave the game with a head injury.
After that game, head coach Demeco Ryans spoke about the hit and defended the type of player that Al-Shaair is.
“It's not representative of who Azeez is. Azeez is a smart player, really great leader for us,” Ryans said. “We felt his presence not being there, and it really affected us on the defensive side. That's not what we were coaching, we didn't want to see the melee and all of the aftermath, that's not what we're about.”
If Al-Shaair is penalized for the hit on Ward, there's a chance that it could be more serious than what he received last year since he's a repeat offender. The one thing that could save him is that Ward wasn't injured, which, in the case of last season's hit, Lawrence was.
BREAKING: Four Referees Suspended After Controversial Packers vs. Cowboys Game
In a shocking turn of events following the dramatic 40-40 tie between the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys in Week 4, the NFL has announced the suspension of four referees who officiated the game. The league’s investigation revealed that the officiating crew missed several key violations by the Cowboys, which significantly impacted the game’s outcome and contributed to an unfair result for the Packers.
The game, which took place at AT&T Stadium on September 28, 2025, was a thrilling, high-scoring affair that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. The Packers seemed to have the game in hand, especially after leading 34-27 in the final minutes, but a series of controversial calls—along with missed penalties—shifted the momentum in favor of the Cowboys.
One of the most glaring missed calls came when Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb appeared to push off Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander on a critical 37-yard reception that led to a game-tying touchdown. The no-call allowed Lamb to make a crucial catch, leaving Packers fans and players questioning the integrity of the officiating.
Additionally, during overtime, Packers kicker Mason Crosby’s 51-yard field goal attempt appeared to be partially blocked by Cowboys defensive tackle Demarcus Lawrence. However, no penalty was called on Lawrence, and the kick was ultimately no good. Packers players were visibly frustrated, with many pointing out the missed call that may have cost them the game.
The NFL’s decision to suspend the four referees involved in this game underscores the seriousness with which the league views officiating mistakes. In an official statement, the NFL reiterated its commitment to ensuring that games are decided fairly and transparently, emphasizing that the suspensions are part of an ongoing effort to maintain the highest standards of officiating across the league.
For the Packers, the result marks their first tie of the season, leaving their record at 3-0-1. Despite the frustration, head coach Matt LaFleur remained optimistic, stating, “We showed a lot of heart in that game. We’ll use this as motivation moving forward.”
As the NFL continues its investigation into the officiating crew, both the Packers and their fans are hopeful that the league will take appropriate action to ensure accountability and fairness in future games. The suspension of the referees is expected to stir up further discussions on the consistency of officiating and its impact on the integrity of the game.
