Michael Strahan Responds To National Anthem Backlash: “I Have Nothing To Protest”

The sports commentator caught flack for his stance during the “Star-Spangled Banner.”

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Michael Strahan has broken his silence after being ridiculed for his stance during the National Anthem at Naval Base San Diego on Sunday (Nov. 10).

During Fox’s special football coverage at the base, the “Star Spangled Banner” was played, moving attendees to place their hand over their heart. However, Strahan interlocked his hands at his waist. Claiming to be “caught up in the moment,” Strahan was criticized for his perceived disrespect, leading him to address the backlash online.

“I have nothing to protest, I have no statement to be made,” Strahan said via Instagram. “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. I do so many programs to help veterans and soldiers. I grew up on a military base with a father who was a major in the army. My brother, my sister, my cousins, they all served in the military — I’m a military brat.

“And so the fact of somebody saying that, you know, I’m unpatriotic, couldn’t be any further from the truth,” he added while admitting to being “caught up” by the “incredible” scene before him. “I somewhat panic and I’m like, ‘Do I be the fool that puts his hand over his heart after or do I just stand here with my hand in front of me respectfully?’ Which, that’s what I did, that’s what happened.”

According to Daily Mail, a source stated that there “isn’t going to be any type of punishment or fine going Michael’s way.”

The statement continues: “Michael wants Veterans Day to be for those men and women who deserve it and deserve the praise, to be in the conversation this way and to extend the talk on what people think he was doing, it would be a disservice to what the day means. Michael was in the moment and in no way shape or form objecting to the moment at hand. This was an internet controversy that was never in his thoughts to start,” the source later told the outlet.”

Strahan also paid tribute to his father, Major Gene W. Strahan Sr., on Veteran’s Day.

“Thank you to all veterans and active service members who courageously risk their lives to protect us every day,” Strahan wrote. “Your selfless service is beyond measure. This is my hero, it is also my father, Maj. Gene W. Strahan, Sr.”

“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.”

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