Michael Strahan is speaking out amid the controversy surrounding his recent actions. As previously reported, the former football star, who now serves as an NFL analyst for Fox Sports, faced heavy criticism after he failed to place his hand over his heart during the national anthem at a live show from the San Diego Naval Base just before Veterans Day.
In light of the backlash, Strahan initially chose to remain silent about the online commotion. Instead, he honored his beloved father on the federal holiday. In an Instagram post, he wrote, “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. This is my hero, it is also my father, Maj. Gene W. Strahan, Sr.”
Nevertheless, angry fans flooded the comment section of that post. One user remarked, “Thanking your father for his service. Where is yours? You’re very disrespectful.” Another added, “Our flag is not a political toy. Find another way to express your ‘feelings,’ spoiled boy.” A third commenter stated, “Have some respect for veterans and put your hand over your heart.” Michael Strahan has took notice of the comments and is now clarifying his position.
In a Wednesday Instagram video post, he addressed the national anthem controversy and the now-viral clip of him confronting Daily Mail reporters who allegedly approached him near his home to question him about the situation:
“I’m not proud of the way I handled that whole situation,” Strahan admitted. “But I think anybody out there can understand the things you’re going to do, you’re going to protect your family and you’re going to protect your home, which is what I felt like I needed to do in that moment.”
He continued, “I have nothing to protest, I have no statement to be made. 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, couldn’t be any further from the truth.”
He concluded, “If that offended any of our military and our veterans, I apologize to you because that was never my intent. I’m a product of the military, a proud lover of the military and a proud lover of all those who served before, now and who will serve in the future.”
Case closed.