The Houston Texans Linebacker Was Fined $11,941 After Writing The Palestinian Child’s Name On His Eye Black Without Prior NFL Approval
Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving has offered to cover an $11,941 NFL fine issued to Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair after the player honored Palestinian child Hind Rajab during a game against the Buffalo Bills.
Al-Shaair wrote “Hind Rajab” on his eye black during Sunday’s game, drawing a fine under NFL uniform and equipment rules that prohibit players from displaying personal messages without prior league approval.
Irving stepped in Wednesday, offering to pay the fine himself, according to ESPN.
The fine is not the first Al-Shaair has received for displaying a message related to Palestinians.
Last season, the Muslim linebacker wore the words “Stop the Genocide” on his eye black and was also fined by the league. Al-Shaair has additionally participated in the NFL’s “My Cause, My Cleats” program to highlight organizations supporting Palestinians.
“If my platform can bring even a little hope to families in Palestine, then that is what I want to use it for,” Al-Shaair said in a statement last season.
His latest message honored Hind Rajab, a Palestinian child whose killing in Gaza in 2024 became one of the most widely reported cases involving Palestinian civilians during the war.
Rajab was trapped inside a vehicle in Gaza City with members of her family before she was killed. Her final calls for help drew international attention, as did the deaths of two Palestinian paramedics dispatched to rescue her.
Also Read: ‘It’s Bigger Than Me’: Azeez Al-Shaair Responds to NFL Fine Over Eye Tape
In August, the Israeli military acknowledged that its forces fired on the vehicle and announced a criminal investigation into the deaths of Rajab, members of her family and the rescue workers.
Irving Continues Public Support For Palestinians
Irving has also repeatedly used his platform to draw attention to Palestinians.
The NBA star has posted about Palestinian children and previously worn clothing recognizing journalists killed in Gaza.
His offer to cover Al-Shaair’s fine brings together two prominent athletes who have publicly spoken about Palestinian civilians while playing in two of the country’s biggest professional sports leagues.
