The NFL fined Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for writing “stop the genocide” across his eye black, ESPN reported Sunday.
He drew the $11,593 fine for a violation of NFL uniform and equipment rules after displaying the message during Monday’s 30-6 AFC wild-card win at Pittsburgh, per the report.
Al-Shaair, 28, reportedly was referencing concerns over Israel’s policies in Gaza and the deaths of more than 70,000 people in military operations since the deadly Hamas terrorist attack on Israel in October 2023.
Al-Shaair, who is Muslim, also has shown support for Palestinian causes through the NFL’s “My Cause, My Cleats” program. “If my platform can bring even a little hope to families in Palestine, then that is what I want to use it for,” he said in a statement earlier this season.
The Texans visit the New England Patriots for an AFC divisional playoff game on Sunday afternoon in Foxborough, Mass.
Al-Shaair, a first-time Pro Bowl selection this season, had six tackles in the playoff win against the Steelers. He had 103 tackles, nine passes defensed and two interceptions in 16 starts during the regular season.
