Texans Player Punches Bears Player: Azeez Al-Shaair Fined for Hitting Roschon Johnson

Incident details

• When and where: The Texans player punched the Bears player in the third quarter of the Chicago Bears vs Houston Texans game on Sunday Night Football, September 15, 2024
• Players involved:
  • Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (aggressor in the NFL player punch incident)
  • Bears running back Roschon Johnson (victim of the Azeez Al-Shaair punch)
• Cause: A scuffle broke out on the sideline after a questionable hit on Bears QB Caleb Williams
• Location: The Texans player punches Bears player incident happened on the Bears' sideline

Punch details

• Action: In the NFL player punch incident, Al-Shaair punched Johnson in the facemask
• Referee response: No flag was thrown for the Texans player punching the Bears player, and Al-Shaair was allowed to continue playing
• Player reactions:
  • Johnson showed restraint after the Azeez Al-Shaair punch, saying it took "every bit of my soul" not to retaliate
  • Al-Shaair claimed Bears players said "crazy things" to him, feeling he had to protect himself

NFL response

• Fine: For the NFL player punch incident, Al-Shaair was fined $11,817 by the NFL
• No suspension: As of September 19, 2024, no suspension was announced for the Texans player punching the Bears player
• Al-Shaair's response: He plans to accept the fine for the Azeez Al-Shaair punch on Roschon Johnson and not appeal the punishment

Aftermath and reactions

• NFL world reaction: Many expressed shock that the refs didn't throw a flag on the Texans player punches Bears player incident
• Potential consequences: Al-Shaair could still face a suspension for the NFL player punch incident, according to some reports
• Game outcome: The Texans won the game 19-13

Similar incidents in 2024 NFL season

• Other fines: In Week 1, several players were fined for various infractions:
  • Josh Palmer (Chargers) and Jack Jones (Raiders): Fined for a fight
  • Dalvin Tomlinson (Browns): Fined $22,511 for a hit on Cowboys QB Dak Prescott
  • Chiefs organization: Fined $100,000
• NFL conduct policy: Other players suspended in 2024 for conduct violations:
  • Zay Jones (Cardinals): Suspended for 5 games
  • Alaric Jackson (Rams): Suspended for 2 games
  • J.C. Jackson (Free agent): Suspended for 1 game

FAQ

What happened in the Texans player punches Bears player incident?

During a Week 2 NFL game, Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair punched Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson in the facemask on the Bears' sideline. The incident occurred in the third quarter after a scuffle broke out following a questionable hit on Bears QB Caleb Williams.

Was there a penalty for the Azeez Al-Shaair punch on Roschon Johnson?

No, there was no in-game penalty for the punch. The referees did not throw a flag, and Al-Shaair was allowed to continue playing in the game. This lack of immediate action sparked controversy among fans and commentators.

What was the NFL's response to this NFL player punch incident?

The NFL fined Azeez Al-Shaair $11,817 for punching Roschon Johnson. However, as of September 19, 2024, no suspension was announced for Al-Shaair. The linebacker stated he plans to accept the fine and not appeal the punishment.

How did Roschon Johnson react to being punched by the Texans player?

Johnson showed remarkable restraint after being punched. He later stated that it took "every bit of my soul" not to retaliate against Al-Shaair. This response was praised by many for its professionalism in the face of provocation.

Are there other recent examples of NFL player punch incidents?

While not exactly the same, there were other fines and suspensions in the 2024 NFL season for various infractions. In Week 1, Josh Palmer (Chargers) and Jack Jones (Raiders) were fined for fighting, and several players were suspended for conduct violations, including Zay Jones (Cardinals) for 5 games and Alaric Jackson (Rams) for 2 games.