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Azeez Al-Shaair's jarring hit on Trevor Lawrence has sent shockwaves through the NFL, sparking fierce debate among fans and former players alike. Among those speaking out are Hall of Famers Shannon Sharpe and Tom Brady, who have taken opposing sides in this heated controversy.
Sharpe did not mince words, accusing the seven-time Super Bowl champion of hypocrisy for defending Al-Shaair. The debate stems from Al-Shaair's late hit on Lawrence during a rushing play, which left the quarterback in the NFL's concussion protocol and led to a three-game suspension for the linebacker.
While some argue the punishment is excessive, others, like Sharpe, see it as a necessary step to protect players. Brady, however, questioned the fairness of the rule. In a recent interview with Colin Cowherd, he said:
"I don't think the onus of protecting an offensive quarterback who's running should be on a defensive player. I don't think that's really fair to a defense."
Shannon Sharpe's scathing response
Sharpe fired back during an episode of his podcast "Nightcap," calling Brady "the wrong messenger" for this debate. He reminded fans that the NFL's sliding rule was implemented to protect quarterbacks like Brady.
"Does he not know the Brady Rule was instituted to protect him?" Sharpe said. "A lot of these rules that protect quarterbacks-he benefited from them."
Brady, however, defended his perspective by referencing his own experiences. "I in 2001, we played Buffalo. I slid late, and Nate Clements absolutely crushed me. My helmet went flying off," Brady recalled.
What's next for Al-Shaair and Lawrence?
While the NFL has upheld Al-Shaair's three-game suspension, the fallout continues to polarize opinions. As Lawrence works through the league's concussion protocol, the debate over player safety and fairness in the NFL rages on.