NFL5 hours ago1 minute read

Kyrie Irving Explains Decision To Cover Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair NFL Fine

Kyrie Irving explained why he offered to pay the NFL fine given to Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for his eye black message.

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Kyrie Irving steps up to pay fine

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving spoke out on Wednesday night regarding his decision to pay an NFL fine given to Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. The league fined Al-Shaair $11,941 for wearing the name Hind Rajab on his eye black during the Texans season opener against the Buffalo Bills. Rajab was a Palestinian girl killed in Gaza in January 2024.

Irving addressed reporters following the Mavericks 128-110 loss to the Houston Rockets. He called Al-Shaair a friend and said that when tax dollars go toward things people disagree with, you have to stand up. Irving added that this mission is bigger than just him and Al-Shaair.

A pattern of fines for eye black messages

This is not the first time Al-Shaair has faced repercussions under the NFL uniform policy, which forbids personal messages without approval. In January, the league fined him $11,593 for having stop the genocide written on his eye black during a wild card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Al-Shaair wore the name Wafaa Akila on his eye black in warmups. A league official told him he could not play unless he removed it, so he complied. Al-Shaair stated that he is displeased with the league response, noting that the writing consists of names anyone can look up. He confirmed that he and Irving have spoken multiple times and remain aligned on humanity.

What it means for the next game

New York Giants at Houston Texans (NFL, Sun, 25 Oct): Houston Texans win 78%, New York Giants win 22%; projected score Houston Texans 26, New York Giants 17. Our safest pick: Giants +17.5.

Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles (NFL, Tue, 27 Oct): Philadelphia Eagles win 35%, Dallas Cowboys win 65%; projected score Philadelphia Eagles 21, Dallas Cowboys 24. Our safest pick: Over 37.5 points.