Michael Strahan seemingly disrespected the military during national anthem, issues long apology after facing heat

Michael Strahan stood straight while the Star Spangled Banner played at Naval Base San Diego leading patriots to believe he was protesting.

Michael Strahan seemingly disrespected the military during national anthem, issues long apology after facing heat

Michael Strahan (Image via Open Source)

Former NFL defensive end and respected journalist Michael Strahan found himself amid controversy over the weekend. At an event in San Diego Naval Base, the FOX NFL crew was present to commemorate the Veterans Day celebration. During the coverage, the national anthem was played, during which everyone but Strahan was seen placing their hands on their chest out of respect.

This resulted in backlash from the public who believed that the former New York Giants player was taking a stand or making a statement by choosing to keep his hands in front of him. It got bad to a point wherein media outlets followed Michael Strahan to get a reaction out of him. He issued a clarification video on social media to clear things up.

YouTube video

The FOX Sports analyst made it clear that the rumors of him protesting are “so far from the truth.” That was not the case at all.

FS Video

I have nothing to protest, I have no statement to be made. The only statement to be made, that should be made and that I want to make is that 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…

Strahan clarified.

He then proceeded to address his upbringing in a military environment. Strahan’s father served in the U.S. Army for over two decades, as did his brother, sister, and cousins. The family has never backed down from serving the nation.

Michael Strahan threw out a reporter’s phone when pressed about his posture during the national anthem

The festivities and the environment led Strahan to be overwhelmed by emotion.

I was caught up in the moment, I’m looking at all these sailors in attention before the national anthem played. How incredible…

He praised the young sailors who had enrolled and committed to serving the nation.
Michael Strahan
Michael Strahan (Image via Open Source)

Michael Strahan was in awe of the decision that these individuals took and has an immense amount of respect for them. He was “sitting in amazement” as he was surrounded by these brave hearts.

By the time he realized that the Star Spangled Banner was playing, it was too late for him to place his hand on his heart. The journalist was confused and deemed it best to keep his hands where they were rather than to be disrespectful by moving his hands while the anthem was playing.

Michael Strahan made the video after his run-in with a Daily Mail reporter outside his residence. The former Giants’ star was infuriated and proceeded to throw away the journalist’s phone. At the start of the video, he expresses regret by stating he was “not proud” of how the interaction went but he did it to “protect” his family and home.