Michael Strahan punishment decided by FOX Sports after national anthem incident

Michael Strahan drew controversy after choosing not to put his hand on his heart while the national anthem played one day before Veteran’s Day while alongside his fellow FOX Sports analysts

FOX Sports will not fine or punish Michael Strahan for his controversial actions on Sunday after viewers accused him of “disrespecting” the national anthem.

The Pro Football Hall of Famer was one of six analysts on FOX’s broadcast on an aircraft carrier surrounded by US military from Naval Base San Diego to honor Veteran’s Day, with the national anthem being played.

When the Star-Spangled Banner had been playing, the camera had panned to the Strahan and the six analysts, with him being the only one to not have put his hand on his heart – with many believing him to have insulted the military with his actions.

FOX Sports is said to have faced pressure to release a statement, condemning Strahan’s actions while many have asked for him to be fired from the broadcast. However, it appears he will face no punishment with a source close to Strahan telling the Daily Mail that he had made an ‘honest mistake’.

Uploading a photograph of his ex-military father to his Instagram stories, Strahan spoke of his admiration for veterans and active service members while hoping to set the record straight. He said: “Thank you to all veterans and active service members who courageously risk their lives to protect us every day.”

NFL analyst Michael Strahan attracted criticism after he failed to place his hand over his heart during the national anthem ( 
Image:
Fox/NFL)
“Your selfless service is beyond measure. 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.”

In the same broadcast on FOX, legendary quarterback turned analyst Tom Brady recorded a moving monologue as he honored service veterans. He stated in the video: “We really honor you today in the NFL. You men and women who are serving us around the world, you’re our heroes. You have our respect. You have the best team in the world – and I’ve seen some great teams.

“But there’s no greater team in the world than our military and our armed forces. We admire your commitment. We admire your dedication. We admired your sacrifice. So enjoy today. We as the NFL, we honor you. We love you. And thank you so much.”

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