NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: Michael Strahan American TV personality at Cipriani Wall Street on June 20, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Steven Ferdman/Getty Images)
Former NFL star and TV host Michael Strahan replied to the backlash he received for not putting his hand over his heart during the national anthem on a Fox Sports Veterans Day broadcast.
On Sunday, Strahan stood next to his colleagues on a naval ship during a broadcast from the San Diego Naval Base surrounded by military personnel. Every person surrounding him placed his hands over his heart while the National Anthem played.
However, the former NFL player stood with his hands firmly clasped before him.
He was soon criticized on the social media platform X for being disrespectful during the ceremony.
“Michael Strahan refused to put his hand over his heart for the National Anthem (in front of hundreds of servicemen and women. What an A–,” one user wrote on X.
“I guess Michael Strahan is too good to honor the National Anthem, the flag, the sailors, the veterans, etc.,” another user stated.
“Anti-American Leftist ABC-TV host #MichaelStrahan refuses to honor our 🇺🇸 National Anthem,” said yet another.
On Veterans Day, Strahan responded by reaffirming his admiration for veterans in an Instagram post that paid tribute to his ex-military father.
“Thank you to all veterans and active service members who courageously risk their lives to protect us every day,” he wrote in the post’s caption. “Your selfless service is beyond measure.”
“This is my hero; it is also my father, Maj. Gene W. Strahan, Sr.,” he added. “He served for 23 years in the army and was a proud member of the 82nd Airborne Division.”
“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,” the former football player stated. “Thank You.”
Despite creating this post, users in the comments still condemned him.
“This is NOT an apology, BTW,” one user declared in the comments.
Strahan has been dealing with some family medical issues recently. His daughter, Isabella Strahan, returned to the University of Southern California in late August to resume her studies after taking a leave of absence following her brain cancer diagnosis.
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