NFL threatens Texans’ Azeez Al-Shaair over messaging: Here’s what the rulebook says

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair is facing potential action from the NFL after violating the league's uniform and equipment policy for displaying unauthorized personal statements on his eye black during each of his team's first two games this season.

Houston's leading tackler last fall, Al-Shaair displayed the name of a Palestinian girl killed in Gaza on his face during the season opener before writing "Wafaa Akila" on his eye black in Week 2. Wafaa Akila was the name of an 8-year-old Palestinian girl killed by an Israeli airstrike this month, according to Reuters.

The Athletic reported that the NFL warned Al-Shaair that his personal messaging on his eye black is in violation of Rule 5, Section 4 of the rulebook:

"For any other violation of this Section 4 (e.g., wristbands and mouthpieces that are not League-approved, towel with a personal message, impermissible headwear under the helmet) that is discovered while the player is in the game, player will be advised to make appropriate correction at the next change of possession; if the violation is not corrected, player will not be permitted to enter the game."

An NFL official reportedly informed Al-Shaair, a Muslim, that he would be removed from last…

Original source: https://www.cbssports.com/