Story perspectives

Texans’ Al-Shaair Removes Eye Black Name After NFL Order

By Drooid · Sep 28, 2026, 3:03 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair wore eye black with names Lana and Bana during an NFL game.
In Week 2 versus the Cincinnati Bengals, an NFL official told him to remove Wafaa Akila’s name.
He removed the name and was not fined for the Week 2 incident.
NBA star Kyrie Irving offered to pay Al-Shaair’s fines, which the player confirmed.
Democratic lawmaker Isaiah Martin called the NFL’s removal order ‘insane’.

History

Historical Context

On October 16 1968, American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised black-gloved fists at the Mexico City Olympic podium, a protest organized by the Olympic Project for Human Rights that led IOC president Avery Brundage to expel them from the Games. The episode established a precedent for leagues such as the NFL, where linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair’s eye-black message now faces similar disciplinary scrutiny.

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Story summary

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair wore eye black with names Lana and Bana during an NFL game.
In Week 2 versus the Cincinnati Bengals, an NFL official told him to remove Wafaa Akila’s name.
He removed the name and was not fined for the Week 2 incident.
NBA star Kyrie Irving offered to pay Al-Shaair’s fines, which the player confirmed.
Democratic lawmaker Isaiah Martin called the NFL’s removal order ‘insane’.

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