Kyrie Irving offered to pay Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair's $11,492 NFL fine after he displayed the name of Palestinian girl Hind Rajab on his eye black.
Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving has offered to pay the fine issued to Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair after he displayed an unauthorized message during an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills.
Al-Shaair was fined $11,492 after writing the name of Palestinian girl Hind Rajab on his eye black.
Rajab was killed in Gaza in January 2024 after Israeli forces opened fire on the vehicle carrying her family. Six of her relatives were also killed.
After news of the fine emerged, Irving reacted on social media by offering to cover the entire amount.
"I'll take care of his fine," Irving wrote on X.
Irving's faith and support for Palestinian causes
Irving publicly embraced Islam in 2021 during his time with the Brooklyn Nets and has since frequently spoken about his faith while also expressing support for Palestinian causes and participating in various charitable initiatives.
His faith has also been visible throughout his NBA career. Irving has repeatedly observed Ramadan while playing, including fasting from sunrise to sunset during the 2022 postseason with the Nets.
He later continued the practice with the Dallas Mavericks, playing NBA games while abstaining from food and water during daylight hours as part of his Ramadan observance.
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