Michael Strahan found himself in hot water during Fox Sports’ NFL special Veterans Day broadcast on Sunday.
The controversial moment for Michael Strahan came during the playing of the national anthem. While his fellow FOX broadcasters stood with their hands over their hearts, the Giants legend and NFL on Fox analyst stood with his hands crossed at his waist.
Strahan’s gesture received a range of responses from people online.
Some fiercely defended his choice to stand with his arms crossed while others claimed his actions showed he had “no class.”
“What’s wrong with Strahan,” one X user wrote. “@NFLonFOX? Blatant disrespect for the men and women he is surrounded by protecting his rights and freedoms.”
“Not cool having Strahan disrespecting our National Anthem. This just further divides us as a country, even if it’s his right to do that,” someone else commented.
“Strahan showing his true colors. What an embarrassment in front of those fine patriots,” another person tweeted.
Although there were plenty of people who believed Strahan’s gesture was “absolutely terrible and disrespectful” and warranted his firing, more than a handful came to the Good Morning America co-host’s defense.
“He did nothing wrong stop fishing and trying to make everything into something,” a fan wrote.
“It’s a free country & only he knows why he did not cover his heart w/his hand. I’ve seen first hand how the US gov’t treats it’s veterans & I’ve got no problem with him standing there. My dad was a vet & let’s just say everybody has their story. This is America not Korea!” someone else reasoned.
Following the fierce backlash, Strahan shared a tribute to veterans with a photo of his father, Major Gene W. Strahan Sr., on Instagram.
“Thank you to all veterans and active service members who courageously risk their lives to protect us every day,’ he wrote on his platform. “Your selfless service is beyond measure.”
“Just as I honor my father, I keep all of you in my thoughts each and every day as we would not have the safety and freedoms we cherish without you. Thank You.”
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