Kyrie Irving offers to pay NFL fine for Azeez Al-Shaair

NBA player Kyrie Irving has offered to pay an NFL fine incurred by Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. Al-Shaair was fined $11,593 by the NFL for “violation of the NFL uniform and equipment rules” after writing the name of Hind Rajab on his eye black during a game against the Buffalo Bills.

Hind Rajab was a Palestinian toddler killed by Israeli Defense Forces in January 2024 while fleeing Gaza City. Al-Shaair, who is Muslim, has previously been fined in January for displaying the message “stop the genocide” on his eye black.

Irving, who plays for the Dallas Mavericks, made his offer via a post on X. The gesture has drawn significant social media attention, including support from the official account of the State of Palestine. Observers noted the political nature of the stance, given that the Dallas Mavericks are owned by Miriam Adelson, a prominent supporter of Israel.