Giants great and NFL on Fox analyst Michael Strahan is facing some backlash after the network's Veterans Day special aired from Naval Base San Diego. .
The controversy appeared to erupt during the national anthem, with cameras showing Fox staffers standing in a line with their hands over their chests, while Strahan had his hands clasped in front of him. It looked like.
Strahan was briefly seen on Fox standing next to Rob Gronkowski during the national anthem, but he was briefly seen on Fox, the day before the nation remembers those who served in the military on Veterans Day. It was enough for viewers to take issue with this. on monday.
The incident sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some finding the gesture particularly offensive and considering it “disrespecting” the national anthem and the military during a broadcast meant to honor the men and women of the military. There were too.
One X user wrote, “What's wrong with Strahan?”@NFLonFOX ?His blatant contempt for the men and women he surrounds himself with to protect his rights and freedoms.? ”
He added that Strahan may not have been able to place his hand on his heart. Happy Veterans Day to everyone except Michael Strahan!! No classes! ! ”
Others defended Strahan and balked at the fact that it was such a big deal.
Strahan himself has military ties and grew up in a military family. Father served in the U.S. Army for 23 years. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division.
“Strahan is the son of a retired Major! I'm sure he respects this country more than you!” one user on X wrote.
The former Giants great has often described himself as a “military brat.” When appearing on The Rachael Ray Show in 2022 On Veterans Day, he was talking about his father, Maj. Gene W. Strahan Sr.
“I'm going to defend @michaelstrahan here,” user X wrote. “He stood very respectfully, no doubt as he was taught to do by his father. Strahan has shared his respect for veterans many times.”
FOX Sports could not be reached for comment.
A representative for Mr. Strahan did not immediately respond to The Post's request for comment.
The U.S. Flag Regulations state: During the national anthem, civilians should “face the national flag and place their right hand over their heart at attention.”
This problem seems to resurface from time to time in the field of sports. Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas faces criticism He was criticized on social media for not placing his hand on his heart during the 2016 Rio Summer Games.
She later apologized in a statement, saying she did not mean any disrespect.
However, awareness of national anthem-related issues and the NFL has increased following Colin Kaepernick's decision to kneel during the national anthem in protest of racial injustice and police brutality.
This protest sparked a nationwide firestorm.
FOX NFL Sunday's tribute to the military, held the day before Veterans Day, is a long-standing tradition for the network, with previous years' broadcasts taking place at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Al Udeid Air Base and Bagram Airfield, among others.
As part of the broadcast, NFL legend Tom Brady reads special eulogy To the men and women of the U.S. military.
“Today we really salute you in the NFL. To all of you who serve us around the world, you are our heroes. We salute you. You have the best team in the world – and I’ve seen some great teams,” he said.
“But there is no greater team in the world than our military and our military. We salute your dedication. We salute your dedication. Our We honor your sacrifice. Enjoy today. We, as the NFL, honor you. We love you and thank you.”
