Michael Strahan is opening up after receiving criticism for the way he stood during the national anthem on Sunday afternoon.
“The Star-Spangled Banner” played during Fox's football special from Naval Base San Diego, and while other teammates on TV were seen with their hands on their chests, the former Giant had his hands clasped near his waist. It was.
Some criticized Mr Strahan over the incident, saying he had to address it on his Instagram account because of the “overflow” of reports.
In a post on his social media page, he admitted he wasn't protesting and was “caught up in the moment” until he realized he wasn't putting his hand on his chest.
When Strahan was asked to comment by a Daily Mail reporter in front of his home, the “Good Morning America” host grabbed the reporter's cell phone and threw it away.
The former defensive lineman admitted he was “not proud” of the way he handled the interaction, but felt he needed to “protect” both his family and home.
And when it came to the national anthem and why he didn't put his hand on his chest, Strahan said on Fox he didn't make any protests, especially since his father served in the U.S. Army for more than 20 years. .
“I have nothing to protest and no need to make a statement,” Strahan said on Instagram. The only statement I want to make is that I love the military, I always have loved the military and always will love the military. I do a lot of programs to help veterans and soldiers. I grew up on a military base with a father who was an Army major. My brother, sister, cousins, they all served in the military. I'm a military kid.
“So the fact that someone says, 'I'm a non-citizen,' couldn't be further from the truth.”
In the end, Strahan said he was “caught up in the moment” of the “unbelievable scene” in front of him, with all the sailors and Navy SEALs in attendance.
“I kind of panicked and thought, 'Am I going to be an idiot and put my hand over my heart later, or am I just going to stand here with my hand in front of me out of respect?' “That's what I did and that's what happened,'' Strahan explained when he realized he hadn't touched his heart.
Fox Sports told the Daily Mail on Sunday that Strahan will not be punished in the incident.
