Viewers Angry on Michael Strahan for Disrespecting National Anthem

Fox Sports' NFL analyst Michael Strahan is receiving heavy criticism from the viewers for not placing his hand over his heart during the national anthem on Sunday.

Michael Strahan facing Backlash for hand gesture on Veterans Day
Michael Strahan National Anthem Controversy
Michael Strahan facing Backlash for how he stood during National Anthem

The Fox team presented their Sunday show from the San Diego Naval Base. During the show, when the national anthem was played, most members of the Fox panel lined up and placed their right hands over their hearts. However, Strahan, decided to keep his hands interlocked in front of him and this decision did not go down well with viewers.

[derekblaustein]

Isn't the hand over the heart supposed to be for the Pledge of Allegiance? I've never put my hand over my heart for the national anthem. When we used to do the opening routine every day in elementary school, they played the national anthem first and everyone stood up, and then they did the pledge and we put our hands over our hearts.

[papoo]

Technically you are only required to cover your heart during the pledge of allegiance, not the national anthem.

[markdanner]

He stood facing the flag the entire time. He wasn’t looking at his notes or his phone. He wasn’t talking to anyone. Let it go.

[jimmysharlow]

Man, you guys are just like my wife and complain about everything. There’s been many hockey games many different sporting events I’ve been to and I forgot to put my hand over my heart, but I sure enough took my hat off. I wouldn’t say it’s that big of a deal.

[jkeys]

Get a life people! We've got a lot worst issues that need to be addressed than this!! Stop with the drama!!!

[forestmeadowbaptistchurc-uxpf]

According to U.S. Code §301- National Anthem, there are several protocols regarding etiquette for non-uniformed men. One of these—putting the right hand over the heart-- is the one that Michael Strahan recently violated and caused such an uproar. Interestingly enough, the legal code also gives instructions for men wearing hats. 36 U.S. Code §301(b)(1)(C) and (2) state that men “should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should REMOVE THEIR HEADDRESS WITH THEIR RIGHT HAND AND HOLD IT AT THE LEFT SHOULDER, THE HAND BEING OVER THE HEART; and (2). when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed. So take a look at the photo of Strahan and the broadcasters. Notice—TERRY BRADSHAW IS ALSO VIOLATING THE MANDATED PROTOCOLS- HOLDING HIS HAT IN HIS LEFT HAND AND DOWN AT HIS LEFT SIDE. Why is no one pitching a fit about his “insulting behavior???”

[foot]

It doesn’t matter as long as he shows respect. I’m retired military so I stand at attention. My wife is active duty so she places her hand over her heart while at attention. My dad is also retired military he still salutes. My son is also a veteran and he stands like Michael Strahan.

[michaelhudgins]

As a retired veteran I find it hummus that some took Mr. Strayhan was some how being disrespectful to veterans, the Flag, or the National anthem. As a civilian the posture traditionally is to simply stand quietly and recently, which he appears to be doing. As a retired warrior I still assume the position of Attention and render a right hand salute in honor of my country, and my comrades in arms. Typically civilians would simply stand reverently, placing your hand over your heart is a personal choice. To the critics of Mr. Strayhan I will also educate them about that the POTUS isn’t required to salute warriors saluting him at Air Force One, or Marine One. It is however protocol that warriors render a salute to the President of the United States, that salute isn’t for the person but the position that person holds. Lastly those critics of Mr. Strayhan seem to be alright with flying the National colors of the United States of America and the flag of the confederacy, sporting of tattoo swastikas, and using the flag attack the Capitol police. Own your hypocrisy. Thank you for bravery Mr. Strayhan.

[Yopapi]

Lol literally a sailor behind him doing the same thing!

[ajsmith]

Y'all take the national anthem way too seriously. I don't even know why it's played at every sports event.

[coalworldz]

Its crazy people want him to lose his job after smiling and beling loved by america for years...and this is the thaks he gets...boy i tell this plave us somethin else sometimes..

[chris_cashflow]

What if he did a salute which would be more proper than arm cross over the heart.

[buckpreacher]

What cares man arm might have been hurting

[matthewwysocki]

MS is free to behave any way he wants. It doesn’t mean others are not at liberty to fire him for it.

[blksabbath]

Get over it folks, he doesn't have to put his hand over his heart. Take the sand out of your panochas..

[jeremymorgan-liey]

Average athlete anyways at best!!!! Fire him!!!! Loser

[MM-sqpf]

God cursed him already with that horrible gap

[chris_cashflow]

I do it without arm over. I feel weird doing it so that's why I keep my hands crossed. At least he's not kneeling

[jeremiahtray]

Why is this news? Maybe he is woke and don't believe in that garbage.