Fox Sports makes decision on punishing Michael Strahan after outrage on national anthem controversy
Pro Football Famer and Fox Sports analyst Michael Strahan found himself in hot water for his apparent disinterest in the national anthem.
During the network's special broadcast on Veteran's Day on Sunday from the United States Navy Base in San Diego, he didn't keep his hand on his chest during the rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner.
Instead, Strahan had his hands interlocked near his waist, which fans on social media found disrespectful. Some demanded Fox Sports to fine or suspend the New York Giants legend for his indifference, but they have reportedly fallen on deaf ears.
According to the Daily Mail, the network won't punish the analyst for not keeping his hand on his chest during the national anthem. A source told the tabloid that it was an "honest mistake."
"Michael was in the moment and in no way shape or form objecting to the moment at hand. This was an internet controversy that was never in his thoughts to start. Michael looks forward to be removed from this controversy as soon it has been created, he is going to live his life and worry about what he can control, that is all that he hope for." - A source told The Daily Mail
Michael Strahan National Anthem controversy: Jay Glazer defends colleague
While Fox Sports is yet to address the matter, league insider Jay Glazer came to Michael Strahan's defense on X with a lengthy post. He wrote:
"I’ve just seen the criticism of Michael Strahan. 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. I heard it CONSTANTLY, still do!"
He rubbished the suggestion that Strahan didn't keep his hand on his chest during the national anthem in protest, writing:
"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."
While the controversy brewed on social media, Strahan has gone about his business without addressing it to avoid adding credence to the ordeal. With Fox Sports refusing to remand him, there's no reason for him to speak on the issue.