Michael Strahan is opening up after being criticized for his stance during the National Anthem.
On Sunday (Nov. 10) at the Naval Base in San Diego, Strahan interlocked his hands at his waist instead of placing his hand over his heart. Many took this as a sign of disrespect during the Veterans Day segment on Fox NFL Sunday.
The NFL Hall of Famer later said he was “caught up in the moment” as he observed the sailors who were present.
Eventually, Strahan released a statement about the backlash he received.
“I have nothing to protest, I have no statement to be made,” Strahan said on 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. It couldn’t be any further from the truth,” he added. “I somewhat panic and I’m like, ‘Do I be the fool that puts his hand over his heart?’ ‘Or I just stand here with my hand in front of me respectfully?’ Which, that’s what I did, that’s what happened.”
According to a source, Strahen will not be punished by Fox for the incident.
“There isn’t going to be any type of punishment or fine going Michael’s way,” a source told The Daily Mail
On Veteran’s Day, Strahan paid tribute to his father, Major Gene W. Strahan Sr.
“Thank you to all veterans and active service members who courageously risk their lives to protect us every day,” Strahan posted. “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,” he continued. “ Thank You.”
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