Texans’ Azeez al-Shaair penalized for pro-Palestine message on his eyeblack, as per report

Texans Player Fined for Support of Palestine

A clear statement of support for Palestinians has resulted in a financial penalty for Azeez Al Shaair, a linebacker for the Houston Texans. During a recent playoff game where the Texans triumphed over the Pittsburgh Steelers with a score of 30-6, Al Shaair was spotted wearing eye black inscribed with “please stop the genocide.” This message seemingly references the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza.

On Sunday, ESPN reported that Al Shaair was fined $11,593 for displaying a “personal message” that breached league regulations regarding uniforms and equipment.

The NFL’s rulebook outlines strict guidelines about what players can wear on game days, specifying that any personal messages, whether written or illustrated, must receive prior approval from league officials. The regulation states: “On game day, during any period in which a player is visible to the stadium or television audience… a player is prohibited from wearing, displaying, or otherwise communicating any personal message…”

There has been some discussion about whether Al Shaair’s punishment was appropriate, especially in light of another incident where San Francisco 49ers’ Nick Bosa faced a fine for wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat after a game. Bosa suggested that it was “worth it” to express such sentiments at critical times.

Previously, Al Shaair has demonstrated his support for Palestine, notably by wearing “Free Palestine” cleats during the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats” initiative in 2024. The cleats featured the word “Freedom” in Palestinian flag colors on one side, and the other side bore a poignant reminder of the conflict’s toll—a number representing casualties. Al Shaair commented on the issue, saying it feels like efforts to silence vital messages are at play. He emphasized the human cost and the unjust nature of the violence affecting innocent lives on both sides.

He has also been involved with the Ceasefire Athletes organization and spoke candidly about online backlash he received following a controversial tackle that led to a concussion during a game. In a prior statement, Al Shaair condemned the racist and Islamophobic remarks directed at him online.