Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was fined for a violation of NFL uniform and equipment regulations on Sunday.
Al-Shaair wore a black tape under his eyes containing the message “stop the genocide” during the Texans’ first playoff game against the Steelers.
The linebacker will have to pay $11,593 out of his own pocket.
The message referred to concerns over Israeli policy in Gaza, where tens of thousands of people were killed in Israeli military operations following Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel in October 2023.
Al-Shaair, who is Muslim, has helped Palestinians on the field by wearing cleats in support of the Palestinian cause as part of the NFL’s “My Cause, My Cleats” program in recent seasons.
The linebacker will be at his post Sunday as the Texans face the New England Patriots for a meeting with the Denver Broncos in the American Association final.
