NFL player fined for Gaza genocide face paint
Azeez Al-Shaair of the Houston Texans has been punished for messages written in black under-eye markings.
Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair has been fined $11,593 by the NFL for violating league rules with a message written in his black under-eye markings.
Al-Shaair had the words “Stop The Genocide” displayed during the Texans’ Wild Card win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The linebacker appeared with the message during an interview on ESPN’s SportsCenter.
Azeez Al-Shaair with “Stop The Genocide” on his face tape during the post-game interview on ESPN 🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/A1WG8fvX5h
— nat 🪬 (@habibiting) January 13, 2026
Following an initial fine, Al-Shaair displayed the same message for Sunday’s Divisional Round game against the New England Patriots. NFL rules prohibit players from displaying personal messages on game day.
Speaking after the loss to the Patriots, Al-Shaair said: “I understand it’s a fine. It’s bigger than me. It makes people uncomfortable. Imagine how they feel? People are dying. I’m a human being and I care.”
In recent years Al-Shaair has been a vocal advocate for the Palestinian cause and has used the NFL’s “My Cause, My Cleats” charity program to benefit Palestinian initiatives. He explained: “If my platform can bring even a little bit of hope to families in Palestine, that’s what I want to use it for.”
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