Muslim civil rights group calls on NFL to approve display of slogan by players
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 1/18/26) – The Houston chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Houston), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the NFL’s decision to fine Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for wearing a “Stop the Genocide” message during the AFC Wild Card game amid criticism from pro-Israel voices who assumed that the message must relate to Israel.
Report: Texans’ Azeez Al-Shaair fined for ‘Stop the Genocide’ message
CAIR also called on the NFL to approve the display of the phrase “Stop Genocide” by players going forward, just as it permits the display of symbols from Robert Kraft’s “Stand Up to Jewish Hate” campaign.
Al-Shaair was reportedly fined $11,593 by the NFL for allegedly violating a rule forbidding players from wearing personal messages.
CAIR-Houston noted that Al-Shaair’s message should not have been controversial given that was a broad expression of opposition to the crime of genocide without specifically any actors responsible for genocide, such as Israel and the UAE-backed Rapid Support Forces in Sudan.
CAIR recently commended Al-Shaair for his anti-genocide message.
In response to the NFL’s action, CAIR-Houston is urging fans and supporters of free speech to donate to reputable anti-genocide and humanitarian organizations aiding Palestinian civilians.
In a statement, CAIR-Houston Director of Operations Imran Ghani said:
“We again applaud Houston Texans player Azeez Al-Shaair for using his platform to call for an end to genocide anywhere and everywhere, and we strongly object to the NFL’s reported decision to fine him for doing so amid pressure from pro-Israel extremists.
“If NFL policies truly do require a fine for player who makes a statement as generic as ‘Stop the Genocide,’ then the NFL needs to revise its policies. But if the NFL singled out Azeez Al-Shaair for punishment because of his anti-genocide message amid a backlash from the Israeli government’s enablers, then the NFL should apologize and reverse the fine.
“The NFL apparently has no problem with coaches wearing pins from Robert Kraft’s ‘Stand Up to Jewish Hate’ campaign, and it should have no problem with an NFL player opposing genocide, whether the genocide in Gaza or Sudan or elsewhere. It should approve the use of the slogan ‘Stop the Genocide’ going forward.
“Azeez Al-Shaair’s message was rooted in basic human decency and concern for innocent lives. That should not be controversial, much less subject to a fine.“
He noted that Al-Shaair has been outspoken in his support for Palestine and humanitarian relief efforts. In recent years, he selected the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund as his beneficiary for the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats campaign and has met with families from Gaza who were receiving medical treatment in Houston.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Houston Director of Operations Imran Ghani, ighani@cair.com, 713.922.5270; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com