Kyrie Irving Steps Up to Pay NFL Star's Fine After Gaza Tribute

Kyrie Irving Steps In to Cover NFL Fine

Kyrie Irving has offered to pay a fine for Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. The NFL fined Al-Shaair $11,941 for writing the name of a Palestinian girl killed in Gaza on his eye black during a recent game against the Buffalo Bills.

The league's uniform and equipment rules do not allow players to display personal messages without getting approval first. The girl, Hind Rajab, was killed in Gaza City in 2024 alongside six family members when their car came under fire. The Israeli military recently acknowledged that its forces opened fire on the vehicle and stated they have started a criminal investigation into the killing.

Standing Up for Palestinian Causes

This is not the first time Al-Shaair has faced a fine for his messages. In January, he was hit with a similar fine for writing "stop the genocide" on his eye black during a game last season.

Al-Shaair, who is Muslim, has also used the NFL's My Cause, My Cleats program to show support. Over the past few seasons, he has worn cleats that support Palestinian causes.

"If my platform can bring even a little hope to families in Palestine, then that is what I want to use it for," Al-Shaair said in a statement last season.

Irving has also been a leading figure in showing public support for Palestinians. He has posted about the needs of Palestinian children on social media and worn shirts to honor journalists killed in Gaza.

What it means for the next game

Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans (NFL, Sun, 20 Sep): Houston Texans win 56%, Cincinnati Bengals win 44%; projected score Houston Texans 25, Cincinnati Bengals 23. Our safest pick: Over 39.5 points.

Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys (NFL, Sun, 20 Sep): Dallas Cowboys win 66%, Washington Commanders win 34%; projected score Dallas Cowboys 27, Washington Commanders 23. Our safest pick: Cowboys to win.