Story perspectives

Kyrie Irving Will Pay Al-Shaair’s $11,492 NFL Fine

By Drooid · Sep 17, 2026, 3:07 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Kyrie Irving said on X he will cover Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair’s $11,492 NFL fine.
Al-Shaair displayed the name Hind Rajab on his eye black during the Texans’ season-opening loss to the Buffalo Bills.
The fine cites Rule 6, Section 4, Article 8, which bans unauthorized personal messages on equipment.
Al-Shaair previously paid $11,593 in January for a “Stop the Genocide” eye-black message.

History

Historical Context

In 2016, after Colin Kaepernick’s anthem protest, the NFL introduced equipment rules that banned hoodies and other uniform changes. Those rules continue to be enforced; in 2024 Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair received an $11,492 fine for his Hind Rajab eye-black, showing the policy’s lasting impact.

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Story summary

Kyrie Irving said on X he will cover Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair’s $11,492 NFL fine.
Al-Shaair displayed the name Hind Rajab on his eye black during the Texans’ season-opening loss to the Buffalo Bills.
The fine cites Rule 6, Section 4, Article 8, which bans unauthorized personal messages on equipment.
Al-Shaair previously paid $11,593 in January for a “Stop the Genocide” eye-black message.

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