The National Football League has decided not to fine Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, who appeared at a recent game with the words "Stop the Genocide" written under his eyes. The phrase was visible throughout the game and during his postgame interview with ESPN.
League regulations prohibit players from displaying personal messages, and under the NFL's fine schedule, a first-time offense of this kind typically incurs a penalty of $11,593. Nevertheless, the NFL chose not to sanction Al-Shaair, even after issuing its official disciplinary report, which included fines for eight other players.
Al-Shaair, a Muslim who spent part of his childhood in Saudi Arabia, has previously expressed support for the Palestinian side. In an earlier game, he wore cleats bearing the word "FREE" in the colors of the Palestinian Authority flag, along with figures published by Hamas regarding casualties in the Gaza Strip.
American journalist Jon Root criticized the NFL over the incident, calling it "one of the most egregious double standards in the history of the NFL." He pointed out that last season, the league fined San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa more than $11,000 for wearing a MAGA hat after a game.
This is one of the most egregious double standards in the history of the NFL…
Last season, the NFL fined 49ers DE Nick Bosa over $11k for wearing a MAGA hat postgame.
During & after their Wild Card game, Texans LB & Muslim, Azeez Al-Shaair wore anti-Israel eyeblack that said… pic.twitter.com/vS3MOxQnBl
— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) January 17, 2026
Root also lashed out at the media, saying, "journalist covering the Texans, or sports media outlet, other than Will Kunkel, has asked the NFL/Commissioner Goodell to comment on this, to either give a defense for the lack of a fine, or a defense for somehow approving this blatant propaganda. What a joke."
