The NFL fined Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for writing “Stop the genocide” across his eye black, an apparent reference to Gaza, ESPN reports.
He drew the $11,593 fine for a violation of NFL uniform and equipment rules after displaying the message during last week’s 30-6 AFC wild-card win at Pittsburgh, per the report.
In spite of the fine, Al-Shaair could be seen wearing the same message in his eye black before Houston’s AFC divisional playoff game at the New England Patriots on Sunday. Later during the game, he was observed with the message removed.
Al-Shaair, 28, has long been a vocal pro-Palestinian advocate. In December 2023, as a member of the Tennessee Titans, Al-Shaair chose to support the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund through the NFL’s “My Cause, My Cleats” program.
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