Good Morning America host Michael Strahan was back on the air Tuesday (Nov. 12) morning after he faced considerable backlash from football fans who became outraged when he didn’t place his hand over his heart for the national anthem during NFL Sundays’ pre-Veterans Day coverage.
Viewers took to social media to slam the former football player, calling his behavior “repugnant” and saying he “disrespected the military” with his actions.
“Time to Cancel Michael Strahan for disrespecting our heroes!” another viewer wrote on X.
Strahan made no mention of the gaffe when he took his seat beside George Stephanopolous and Rebecca Jarvis. The broadcast proceeded without a hitch, but that doesn’t mean the criticisms have died down.
The fan outrage reportedly made it all the way back to Fox Sports. The Daily Mail reports the network received a “barrage” of calls from viewers demanding they fire Strahan. But Fox Sports is reportedly not planning on taking any action against him.
A source alleged to the outlet that Strahan is deliberating over whether he should address the controversy.
“His peers have his back and understand that he wasn’t making the moment about himself. There isn’t going to be any type of punishment or fine going Michael’s way,” they claimed.
“He may address it, but he is weighing his options because he never thought this would have ever been a thing,” the source said. “He knows the man he is, and he almost doesn’t want to address the controversy to give it more life.”
Despite the controversy, several people came to Strahan’s defense on social media, with many noting that Strahan has military roots of his own through his father, Major Gene W. Strahan Sr.
Strahan’s NFL Sunday colleague Jay Glazer said Strahan “constantly” talks about how growing up in the military “shaped him.”
“I know these days people want to be angry fast but maybe first, how is THIS for a novel idea. ASK him if he’s protesting something,” Glazer wrote on X. “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. Ask the dude before forming an angry mob, but also maybe find out alllll he’s done for our veterans over the years.”
Strahan has not commented on the controversy. But he did share a tribute to his father and a message to veterans everywhere on social media.
“Thank you to all veterans and active service members who courageously risk their lives to protect us every day. Your selfless service is beyond measure,” he wrote yesterday. “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. Thank You.”
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