Fox Sports will not punish or fine Michael Strahan after the former NFL star came under fire for failing to place his hand over his heart during the national anthem.
On Sunday, Strahan was on the Fox Sports panel — alongside the likes of Terry Bradshaw and Rob Gronkowski — as they broadcast from the San Diego Naval Base ahead of Veterans Day.
When the national anthem was played and a large number of soldiers surrounded the crew, Strahan chose to keep his hands in front of him, sparking outrage among many fans.
Fox Sports faced a barrage of calls from viewers and fans to fire the former New York Giants defensive end and Super Bowl winner.
However, DailyMail.com understands that the network will not impose any sanctions.
Michael Strahan (right) has been criticized for not placing his hand over his heart during the national anthem on Sunday
However, DailyMail.com understands that Fox Sports will not impose any sanction on the analyst
A source said: ‘His colleagues are behind him and understand he wasn’t talking about himself. There will be no punishment or penalty of any kind in Michael’s terms.
“He might bring it up, but he’s weighing his options because he never thought this would have ever been a thing. He knows the man he is, and he almost doesn’t want to bring up the controversy to inject more life into it.
“Michael wants Veterans Day to be for those men and women who deserve it and deserve the praise, to be in the conversation like this and to continue the conversation about what people think he was doing, it would be a bad to be of service to what the day means .’
Strahan’s Fox colleague Jay Glazer came to his defense on Monday, insisting, “I don’t know if I have a friend who is more proud of his military roots than Michael.”
The source continued, “It was never addressed at this point. All this came later when the trolls got involved.
“You have to think: imagine all the times you are at a game or an event where the national anthem is being played and you are asked if you are able to stand up, to do that.
‘Everyone in those stadiums or rooms are all people who don’t all have their hands on their hearts, including yourself. It doesn’t mean you don’t respect anything, it’s just what’s happening at the time.
“Michael was in the moment and in no way objected to the moment at hand. This was an internet controversy he never thought about.
“Michael looks forward to being removed from this controversy as soon as it arises. He’s going to live his life worrying about what he can control, that’s all he hopes for.”
The ex-Giants star pictured with daughters Sophia (second from left) and Isabella (third from left) along with girlfriend Kayla Quick (right)
The NFL analyst shared a photo of his ex-military father and paid tribute to America’s veterans
Earlier on Monday, Strahan spoke out amid outrage over his controversial act.
He shared a photo of his father, Major Gene W. Strahan Sr, during his time in the military on Instagram as he paid tribute to veterans across the US.
“Thank you to all the veterans and active military personnel who courageously risk their lives every day to protect us,” he wrote in his story. “Your selfless service is immeasurable.
“Just as I honor my father, I keep all of you in my thoughts every day, because without you we would not have the safety and freedoms we cherish. Thank you.’
Strahan has also been co-host of the popular morning talk show Good Morning America since 2016. However, he was absent from Monday’s program.
After he was seen not covering his heart during the Star Spangled Banner, the 52-year-old was branded “unpatriotic” by angry Americans who took to social media to vent their frustrations.
Along with a photo of the moment, Newsmax host Todd Starnes first posted: “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 has also been accused of warped priorities after NFL fans dug up a previous interview he did with a child drag queen.
In 2018, Strahan interviewed ‘Desmond Is Amazing’ on Good Morning America
A clip surfaced of his interview with ‘Desmond Is Amazing’ – one of the ‘youngest and first drag queen/kids’.
Now Desi Napoles, they started doing drag since they were eight and six years ago they appeared on Good Morning America.
A one-minute clip resurfaced on social media, showing them dancing among the GMA crowd before joining the hosts for an interview.
“Michael Strahan can disrespect his country/military men (and) women he is surrounded by on this ship by simply placing his hand over his heart, but he happily encourages child drag queens… Sickening,” one fan wrote.
“So far he has fallen. Sad,” wrote another. “Total shame, plain and simple,” a third added.