From CBS Sports · · 1m 30s
Kyrie Irving pays Texans linebacker's Palestine fine
NBA star covers Al-Shaair's $11,941 NFL penalty for wearing eye black honoring a Palestinian child.
In brief
NBA star covers Al-Shaair's $11,941 NFL penalty for wearing eye black honoring a Palestinian child. Athletes are using their platforms and resources to support Palestinian causes despite NFL uniform restrictions and financial penalties. Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Texans linebacker fined for tribute
Azeez Al-Shaair was fined $11,941 by the NFL for wearing eye black with the name Hind Rajab, a five-year-old Palestinian girl killed by Israeli forces in Gaza in 2024.
Violation of uniform rules
The NFL prohibits personal messages on uniforms without prior approval. Al-Shaair was also fined last season for wearing eye black that said 'stop the genocide' during a playoff game.
Kyrie steps in to pay
NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving tweeted that he would cover Al-Shaair's fine. Irving, who plays for the Dallas Mavericks, is also an advocate for Palestinian causes.
“I'll take care of his fine”
Al-Shaair's platform for Palestine
The Muslim linebacker has been outspoken about Palestinian causes, using the NFL's 'My Cause, My Cleats' program to wear cleats supporting Palestine over several seasons.
“If my platform can bring even a little hope to families in Palestine, then that is what I want to use it for.”
Who was Hind Rajab
Hind Rajab, five, was killed along with six family members when Israeli forces opened fire on their vehicle in Gaza City in 2024. The Israel Defense Forces later acknowledged the killing and opened an internal investigation.
Al-Shaair's standout season
Now in his eighth NFL season, Al-Shaair was a Pro Bowler last year. He had eight tackles in the Texans' Week 1 loss to the Bills.
What to remember
Athletes are using their platforms and resources to support Palestinian causes despite NFL uniform restrictions and financial penalties.
