It was business as usual when Michael Strahan returned to “Good Morning America” on Tuesday amid backlash over his national anthem etiquette during a special pre-Veterans Day broadcast on “Fox NFL Sunday” from Naval Base San Diego. It was.
The Giants legend, who was absent from ABC's “GMA” on Monday, was criticized for standing with his hands clasped in front of him during the national anthem, but his Fox Sports co-hosts said he was among dozens of military personnel. He stood between them with his hands on his chest. human resources.
Mr. Strahan, 52, went about his normal duties at the anchor desk without mentioning the controversy that has taken the internet by storm.
His “GMA” co-host referenced a heartwarming moment on “Monday Night Football,” where ESPN broadcast a reunion of Marines and their families on Veterans Day.
Strahan posted a message Monday honoring his father, Maj. Gene W. Strahan Sr., saying he served in the Army for 23 years and was a proud member of the 82nd Airborne Division.
X/Fox Sports NFL
The same day, FOX Sports personality Jay Glazer, who stood with Strahan during the national anthem at Naval Base San Diego, defended the former Super Bowl champion in an X post.
“I've just seen the criticism, [Michael Strahan],” Glaser wrote Monday. “Let me just say this: I don't know if I have a friend who is more proud of his military roots than Michael. He grew up on an Army base and what he learned from his father, Maj. Gene Strahan. And he's always talking about what his time was like.'' That shaped him. I used to listen to it all the time and I still listen to it now! ”
Strahan said he did not expect such negative backlash. The Daily Mail reported that he will not face any disciplinary action from Fox Sports.
“His peers support him and understand that he did not make the moment about himself. No discipline or fine will be imposed against Michael.” told the magazine.
“He might work on it, but he never thought it would come to this, so he's weighing his options. He knows he's human and he wants to liven up the debate.” hardly wants to mention the controversy.
“Michael wanted Veterans Day to be for the men and women who deserve it, who deserve it, and who deserve it, and he wanted to join the conversation in this way and talk about what people think he was doing. To expand the conversation would be contrary to the meaning of Veterans Day.”
Instagram/Michael Strahan
Strahan called his father a “hero” and went on to praise the accomplishments of all veterans.
“Thank you to all the veterans and active duty military who bravely risk their lives to protect us every day,” he wrote, including a photo of his father in uniform. “Your selfless service is immeasurable. This is my hero and my father, Maj. Gene W. Strahan Sr.”
“Just as I honor my father, I remember you every day because without you we would not have the security and freedom that we cherish. Thank you. ”
Strahan's behavior during the national anthem was believed by many to be disrespectful to veterans, especially given that it was filmed on location at Naval Base San Diego in advance of Veterans Day.
