Entertainment
‘Good Morning America’ Host Under Fire For Move During National Anthem
In an effort to honor America’s veterans, FOX NFL Sunday took its show on the road to Naval Base San Diego for a special pregame broadcast ahead of Veterans Day. The segment marked a longstanding Fox tradition, celebrating the military and patriotism by bringing NFL coverage to the men and women in uniform.
Yet, a fleeting moment during the National Anthem managed to create controversy involving one of the show’s hosts, Michael Strahan—a controversy some believe is overblown.
During the anthem, cameras captured the broadcast team standing solemnly with hands over hearts. Strahan, however, stood with his hands in front, fingers interlocked—a position some viewers found disrespectful, despite Strahan’s respectful stance and attentive posture.
WATCH:
We conclude our show at the Naval Base San Diego with the national anthem 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/lDb2g6oF0f
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 10, 2024
The backlash didn’t take long to surface. Newsmax host Todd Starnes posted on X, formerly Twitter, saying, “Michael Strahan disrespected the military during a Veterans Day pre-game show… So, his behavior is not just repugnant, it’s downright cowardly.”
Critics were also met with a wave of support for Strahan, with sports commentator Joe Pompliano stepping up to set the record straight. Pompliano highlighted Strahan’s family connection to the armed forces, noting that his father served in the Army for 23 years and that Strahan himself grew up on a military base in Germany. “He’s standing quietly at attention,” Pompliano pointed out. “We need to stop getting so upset at every little thing.”
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. https://t.co/7mrHFAmk52
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) November 11, 2024
The Fox crew’s appearance at the naval base continued the network’s tradition of honoring service members by broadcasting from military installations, following previous shows at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and the Air Force Academy. This year’s show aimed to celebrate those who protect and serve, with Strahan being a visible part of that tribute.
REACTIONS:
Michael Strahan just disrespected the country that made him. GTFOH
— Jacob Cottrell (@cottrell1111) November 10, 2024
How fucking disrespect of @michaelstrahan to not have his hand on heart especially in front of all those Navy personal. You should be removed from the broadcast team. I hope there are repercussions for your actions. pic.twitter.com/tp5fg0T4Gz
— Thomas Bare (@tab72266) November 10, 2024
I’m a career Army (Abn) Infantry Veteran.
I wouldn’t have expected anything less from Michael Strahan.
I know this because I understand he’d NEVER EVER consider deploying to a Hostile Fire Area for something greater than himself. 🇺🇸— PKHof (@PaulHof51133601) November 10, 2024
Bullshit. pic.twitter.com/IFTZk5YZK3
— Bill Schohr (@BSchohr) November 10, 2024
If you can’t respect our military, you need to be removed from the NFL ON FOX!! GOOD BYE STRAHAN!!
— Dean Garza (@GarzaDean) November 10, 2024
YOURS FREE: Claim Your ‘Trump Victory’ Coin NOW!