Texas star Azeez al-Shaair fined for pro-Palestine message on eye black: report

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An apparent message in support of Palestinians has cost a Houston Texans star.

Linebacker Azeez al-Shaair was spotted wearing eyeblack that read "Stop the genocide", likely regarding the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza, last week during the team's 30-6 playoff victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

ESPN reported Sunday morning that al-Shaair was fined $11,593 for wearing a "personal message," which violated the league's uniform and equipment rules.

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Azeez al-Shaair of the Houston Texans shakes hands with Aaron Rodgers of the Pittsburgh Steelers after an NFL wild card playoff game at Acrisure Stadium on Jan. 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  (Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

The NFL rulebook states in Rule 5, Section 4, Article 8 what players are allowed and not allowed to wear on game days. The rule states, "Throughout the period on game-day that a player is visible to the stadium and television audience (including in pregame warm-ups, in the bench area, and during postgame interviews in the locker room or on the field), players are prohibited from wearing, displaying, or otherwise conveying personal messages either in writing or illustration, unless such message has been approved in advance by the League office.

"The League will not grant permission for any club or player to wear, display, or otherwise convey messages, through helmet decals, arm bands, jersey patches, mouthpieces, or other items affixed to game uniforms or equipment, which relate to political activities or causes, other non-football events, causes or campaigns, or charitable causes or campaigns. Further, any such