Photo via CBS Sports

Kyrie Irving offers to pay Azeez Al-Shaair's fine for tribute to Palestinian girl killed in Gaza

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving took to social media to announce he will cover an $11,941 league penalty issued to Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. The NFL sanctioned Al-Shaair for breaking uniform protocols by writing the name Hind Rajab—a five-year-old Palestinian girl who died alongside six relatives in Gaza City when Israeli forces fired on their vehicle in 2024—on his eye black without prior league consent.

The Israeli military recently admitted to the killings and launched an inquiry into the matter.

Al-Shaair, a practicing Muslim in his eighth year who made the Pro Bowl last season, has consistently utilized his visibility to highlight Palestinian concerns, including participating in the league's designated cleat initiative and drawing a previous postseason fine for an anti-genocide eye black statement. Irving, a nine-time All-Star, is likewise a prominent voice for Palestinian advocacy.