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Al-Shaair’s statement was widely seen as a political attack on Israel amid the war in Gaza.
By United with Israel Staff
Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was fined $11,593 for wearing eye black that read “Stop the genocide” during last week’s wild-card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to ESPN.
The NFL said the display violated its uniform and equipment rules, which require league approval for any personal messages. The policy also bars messages tied to political causes and other non-football campaigns.
Al-Shaair’s statement was widely seen as a political attack on Israel amid the war in Gaza. Critics say the slogan echoes anti-Israel talking points and distorts Israel’s war against Hamas, which began after the terror group’s October 7 massacre and continues as Hamas operates from within civilian areas.
Al-Shaair has used other league-approved platforms to promote pro-Palestinian messaging, including the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats” initiative, which allows players to spotlight charities and social causes during designated games.
“If my platform can bring even a little hope to families in Palestine, then that is what I want to use it for,” Al-Shaair said earlier this season.
Last year, he wore “Free Palestine” cleats during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was ejected from that contest after delivering a vicious hit on quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Al-Shaair was born in Tampa, Florida, and spent part of his childhood moving between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, where his father worked as an English instructor. He is a practicing Muslim and has spoken publicly about fasting during Ramadan.
Al-Shaair resurfaced the message again Sunday, wearing eye black that read “stop the genocide” while addressing teammates before kickoff against the New England Patriots, despite reportedly being fined for the same display a week earlier. He did not keep the message on during the game.
With Houston now eliminated, Al-Shaair will have to find a new platform for his activism for the foreseeable future after the Texans fell 28–16 to New England.
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