Former NFL star Michael Strahan responded to backlash after failing to put his hand over his heart Sunday during the national anthem on a Veterans Day broadcast.
The former New York Giants star stood next to his colleagues on a naval ship during a broadcast from the San Diego Naval Base surrounded by military personnel, and every one of the people surrounding him placed their hands over their hearts while the Star Spangled Banner played. Strahan was the only exception, and stood with his hands firmly clasped in front of him. He was quick to issue a response by reaffirming his admiration for veterans in a message that paid tribute to his ex-military father.
We conclude our show at the Naval Base San Diego with the national anthem 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/lDb2g6oF0f
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 10, 2024
The criticism came quickly as people took to social media to slam Strahan for being disrespectful during the deeply meaningful ceremony.
Newsmax star Todd Starnes was among those who voiced their discontent for Strahan’s stance during the Fox NFL Sunday broadcast.
“Michael Strahan disrespected the military during a NFL Veterans Day pre-game show on Fox,” he wrote.
“The great irony is Strahan on a ship surrounded by men and women who would willingly sacrifice their lives to protect his freedom. So, his behavior is not just repugnant, it’s downright cowardly.”
Some social media users called Strahan “disgusting,” while others called for him to be fired over his demeanor.
Strahan shared a photograph of his father to his Instagram account, alongside the message, “Thank you to all veterans and active service members who courageously risk their lives to protect us every day. Your selfless service is beyond measure.”
He continued, “This is my hero, it is also my father, Maj. Gene W. Strahan, Sr. 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. Thank You. #VeteransDay”
Critics seized the opportunity to lash out at Strahan some more by posting angry comments in the comment section of his post.
“How about putting your hand over your heart ❤️,” one person wrote, while another referenced Strahan’s father directly by saying, “Your father is MUST be so embarrassed what you did yesterday. Who the PEOPLE voted for doesn’t give you the right to disrespect the VETERANS that have kept Americans Safe!!!!! SHAME ON YOU WILL PRAY FOR YOU.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 13: Michael Strahan is seen during GMA at ABC Times Square Studios on June 13, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images) Getty Images
“HE OBVIOUSLY FORGOT TO TEACH YOU SOME RESPECT 🤡🤡🤡,” another person wrote, while someone else said, “Yeah, how about you have the respect and put your hand over your heart during the national anthem on Veterans Day at a military base.”(RELATED: ‘That Was Not Me’: Ingrid Andress Reveals She Was Drunk While Singing Botched Anthem)
Other comments included, “Shame on you …u did not honor your father as u claim ..respect…put your hand on your heart disrespectful,” and “Pitiful, you embarrassed your Dad.”
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
