Michael Strahan, a former NFL star and prominent TV personality, was in trouble because of his actions. What did he do to invite a huge backlash on the internet? Read on to learn more about the unsavoury incident.
During the event, Michael Strahan was seen standing with his arms interlocked at the waist during the rendition of the National Anthem, and many found his action disrespectful and obnoxious.
However, Fox Sports, Strahan’s employer, stated that it was an inadvertent error and emphasized his patriotism.
Michael Strahan is a sports and entertainment figure in the NFL. He was a defensive end with the New York Giants for 14 years and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014. He has also co-hosted Good Morning America and worked with Fox Sports as an analyst, carving a niche with his charm and wit and captivating his fans.
In the controversy, Strahan was accused of disrespecting the National Anthem, which was being rendered at the pregame ceremony at a United States Navy base in San Diego.
Strahan, during the National Anthem, was standing with his arms interlocked at the waist instead of placing them over his heart, as is customary as a form of respect.
The incident was noticed by many, who wondered if Strahan’s posture showed disrespect for the anthem and the military. Many netizens took to social media to express their disapproval, terming his action as disrespectful to the armed forces and the National Anthem.
Fox Sports Defends Michael Strahan, Declares It a Mistake
Despite the controversy, Fox Sports brushed off the incident as a genuine accident and defended Strahan. It stated that Strahan was unaware that his hands were interlocked at his waist and that he had no intent of showing disrespect for the National Anthem. It added that there is no doubt about Strahan’s patriotism and character.
Fox Sports also stated that it found no reason to punish the anchor, branding it an innocuous mistake.
Strahan took to Instagram and issued a heartfelt statement:
“I have nothing to protest, I have no statement to be made,” he said. “The only statement that should be made, that I want to make, is I love the military, I’ve always loved the military, and I will always love the military.”
