“Good Morning America” and Fox NFL host Michael Strahan broke his silence after he was accused of being “disrespectful” during the playing of the national anthem at a pre-Veteran’s Day broadcast celebration.
On Monday, the former NFL player posted a message and pictures on his Instagram honoring his father Maj. Gene W. Strahan, Sr. — and all those who serve — on Veteran’s Day amid the criticism.
“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.”
“He served for 23 years in the army and was a proud member of the 82nd Airborne Division,” he added. “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.”
On Sunday, the “Fox NFL Sunday” show was broadcast from the Naval Base in San Diego, and Strahan’s co-hosts stood and put their right hands over their hearts while the anthem played. However, viewers noticed that Strahan instead folded his hands in front of him, and that upset many watching, the New York Post reported.
“I couldn’t believe what I saw as you stood there with your hands clasped in front of you,” one social media user wrote in the comments. “How disrespectful to all of those men and women who were there and looking at you.”
Another person on X wrote, “What’s wrong with Strahan? @NFLonFOX? Blatant disrespect for the men and women he is surrounded by protecting his rights and freedoms.”
While a third wrote, “’Why does Michael Strahan not put his hand over his heart during the playing of our National Anthem?”
However, “Fox NFL Sunday” cohost Jay Glazer defended Strahan and wrote that the reaction was not warranted and explained why.
“I’ve just seen the criticism of @michaelstrahan. Let me tell you this, I don’t know if I have a friend who is more proud of his military roots than Michael, growing up on an army base constantly talking about what he learned from his dad Major Gene Strahan and how his time there shaped him,” Glazer wrote. “I heard it CONSTANTLY, still do!”
“But also, with no fanfare I personally saw him donate thousands of dollars of clothes to veterans, including many homeless veterans as well clothes for veterans to go on job interviews,” he added.
“I know these days people want to be angry fast but maybe first, how is THIS for a novel idea. ASK him if he’s protesting something. When you protest you want people to know, don’t ya? He was NOT, just got caught up in how beautiful the whole moment was during the anthem and didn’t think about it,” the cohost continued. “Ask the dude before forming an angry mob, but also maybe find out all he’s done for our veterans over the years.”
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