Fans demand Fox Sports fire NFL analyst Michael Strahan over ‘cowardly’ act during national anthem
Fox Sports’ NFL analyst Michael Strahan has been criticized by viewers on social media for not placing his hand over his heart during the national anthem on Sunday.
The Fox team, which also includes Terry Bradshaw and Rob Gronkowski, hosted their show from the San Diego Naval Base on Monday ahead of Veterans Day.
The national anthem was played during the show before Sunday’s busy NFL action schedule began, with a large number of military personnel standing around the crew.
Traditionally, most of the Fox panel members stood in line and placed their right hands over their hearts. That included Curt Menefee, Howie Long, Bradshaw, Gronkowski, Jimmy Johnson and Jay Glazer.
However, Strahan, who played 15 seasons with the New York Giants and is currently a regular host of Good Morning America, decided to keep his hands in front of him.
Michael Strahan (right) has been criticized for not placing his hand over his heart during the national anthem on Sunday
The decision did not go down well with viewers, who flocked to social media to criticize the 52-year-old.
Newsmax host Todd Starnes wrote, “Michael Strahan disrespected the military during a Veterans Day pre-game show on @NFLonFOX.
“The great irony is that Strahan is on a ship, surrounded by men and women who would willingly sacrifice their lives to protect his freedom. So his behavior is not only abhorrent, it is downright cowardly.”
Another fan said: ‘What the hell is wrong with Michael Strahan!? On Veterans Day! Boo, @NFL. Boo, @NFLonFOX. Not cool.’
A third added: “Fire Michael Strahan! This is unacceptable!’
“@NFLonFOX Michael Strahan, standing with the US military in honor of Veterans Day, can’t show honor and respect during the national anthem… Wow!” wrote another
Another said Strahan’s decision was “disrespectful to all veterans and Americans.”
“Why doesn’t Michael Strahan put his hand over his heart during the playing of our national anthem?” one fan asked.
Strahan helped the Giants win the Super Bowl in 2008 against Tom Brady and the Patriots
Strahan has become a TV personality and is currently a regular host of Good Morning America
Strahan, 52, was selected by the Giants in the second round of the 1993 NFL draft.
He played his entire career in New York and won the Super Bowl in 2008 against Tom Brady and Bill Belichick’s New England Patriots team.
Strahan is still tied with TJ Watt for the record for most quarterback sacks in a single season and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.
Earlier in the Fox broadcast, Brady delivered a special message to members of the armed forces.
The seven-time Super Bowl winner said, “We really honor you today in the NFL. You men and women who serve us around the world, you are our heroes.
‘You have our respect. You have the best team in the world – and I have seen some great teams.
“But there is no greater team in the world than our military and armed forces. We admire your efforts. We admire your dedication. We admired your sacrifice. So enjoy today. We as the NFL honor you. We love you. And thank you very much.”