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48m ago

NFL Fines Texans’ Azeez Al‑Shaair $11,593 for ‘Stop the Genocide’ Eye Black

The league cited its uniform rule barring unapproved personal messages, with officials noting these fines are not listed on its public accountability site.

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Jan 4, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Azeez al-Shaair (0) runs onto the field before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 27: Azeez al-Shaair #0 of the Houston Texans stands on the field prior to an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on December 27, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)

Overview

  • ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the fine Sunday, and multiple outlets confirmed it, including an NFL spokesman who verified the penalty and the rule cited.
  • Al‑Shaair wore the message on his eye black during the Texans’ wild‑card win over the Steelers and in a postgame ESPN interview, making it visible under game‑day rules.
  • The $11,593 penalty aligns with the NFL’s fine schedule for first‑time uniform and equipment violations that display unapproved personal messages.
  • The fine did not appear on the league’s Saturday operations accountability posting, which an NFL spokesman said excludes uniform violations.
  • Coverage noted comparisons to Nick Bosa’s 2024 fine for wearing a MAGA hat and revisited Al‑Shaair’s prior, league‑approved pro‑Palestinian advocacy through My Cause My Cleats.