By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-11-11 17:29:07 | Updated at 2024-11-18 04:43:58
6 days ago
Fans of Good Morning America have noticed the absence of anchor and former NFL star Michael Strahan as social media continues to berate him for not putting his hand over his heart during the national anthem.
On Fox Sports' Sunday broadcast from the San Diego Naval Base ahead of Veterans Day, Strahan stood facing the American flag with his hands clasped in front of him while the rest of the hosts put their hands over their hearts.
Strahan was not on Monday's episode of 'GMA', which led to more criticism for him from accounts across X, formerly Twitter.
'Michael Strahan no where to be found on Good Morning America this morning. One day after this crap. Remember his father was a veteran,' wrote one user.
A second posted, '@michaelstrahan Shameful!!! You should not return to @GMA until you publicly apologize.'
Michael Strahan skipped out on GMA after he didn't put his hand over his heart on Sunday
'That pu**y @michaelstrahan skipping out on the show today after being criticized for his disgusting and disrespectful stance yesterday on the @NFLonFOX show yesterday during the National Anthem!!,' a third person posted.
Other users wondered why GMA did not address Strahan's behavior on their show.
'@GMA why don't you talk about Strahan not putting hand on heart unreal,' one user said.
'Has anyone Canceled Michael Strahan for his blatant disrespect of America and American Veterans? I sure have. Goodbye Good Morning America. Goodbye NFL Fox Sunday,' said another poster.
Amid the outrage over his 'controversial' act, the former New York Giants star has shared a photo of his father, Major Gene W. Strahan Sr, during his time in the military on Instagram while paying tribute to veterans across the US.
'Thank you to all veterans and active service members who courageously risk their lives to protect us every day,' he wrote on his story. '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.'
Strahan has also been a co-host of popular morning talk show Good Morning America since 2016. However, he was absent from Monday's program.
Fans wondered why Strahan was not on the show on Monday morning after the incident
The NFL analyst shared a photo of his ex-military father and paid tribute to America's veterans
After he was seen not covering his heart during the Star Spangled Banner, the 52-year-old was branded 'unpatriotic' by furious 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 Strahan on a ship surrounded by men and women who would willingly sacrifice their lives to protect his freedom. So, his behavior is not just repugnant, it's downright cowardly.'
Another fan commented: 'What the hell is wrong with Michael Strahan!? On effing Veterans Day! Boo, @NFL. Boo, @NFLonFOX. Not cool.'
A third added: 'Fire Michael Strahan! This is unacceptable!'
'@NFLonFOX Michael Strahan, standing with US military honoring Veterans Day can't show honor and respect during the National Anthem... Wow!', wrote another
Fans took to social media to hit out at Strahan after his controversial act on Sunday
The ex-Giants star pictured with daughters Sophia (second from left) and Isabella (third from left) along with girlfriend Kayla Quick (right)
Another said Strahan's decision was 'disrespectful to all Veterans and Americans'.
'Why does Michael Strahan not put his hand over his heart during the playing of our National Anthem?' one fan asked.
However, many others believed that this whole situation was overblown - with some veterans saying they didn't take offense.
'Michael Strahan's dad served in the Army for 23 years. He grew up on a US Army base in Germany and has given a ton of money to veteran charities. He's standing quietly at attention. We need to stop getting so upset at every little thing,' wrote sports entrepreneur Joe Pompliano.
Kate Mannion, a military veteran and host of the Barstool Sports military podcast Zero Blog 30, posted, 'Cannot stand the Anthem Police. He can do whatever he wants u enormous dorks.'
Mannion added, 'Also not that it even matters but his dad served 23 years. He was a military brat. Please shut uppppp.'
'Well, I was 44 when I learned that I'm unpatriotic for standing with my hands together in silence during the national anthem,' said another user. 'Here, I thought I was bein respectful, but it turns out I'm just a piece of s**t. At least I have good company like Michael Strahan.'
A number of other users on social media, including veterans, didn't take issue with Strahan
Strahan has become a TV personality and is currently a regular host of Good Morning America
Strahan was selected by the Giants in the second round of the 1993 NFL draft.
He played in New York for the entirety of his career, winning the Super Bowl against Tom Brady and Bill Belichick's New England Patriots team in 2008.
Strahan is still tied with T.J. Watt for the record of most single-season quarterback sacks and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.
Earlier in the Fox broadcast, Brady delivered a special message to members of the armed forces.
The seven-time Super Bowl winner said: '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.'
