Patriotic NFL fans want FOX Sports to dismiss Michael Strahan after he stood stoically for the national anthem during the Veterans Day weekend broadcast but declined to put his hand over his heart.
During the network’s coverage from the San Diego Naval Base leading up to Veterans Day, the anthem played as the announcer surrounded by a throng of military personnel.
While his colleagues – Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, Jimmy Johnson, and Rob Gronkowski – placed hands on hearts, Strahan clasped his hands at his waist, sparking social media outrage.
In response to the backlash, the ex-New York Giants player shared an Instagram photo of his father, Major Gene W. Strahan Sr, from his military service days, in an effort to honor veterans across America.
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
“Thank you to all veterans and active service members who courageously risk their lives to protect us every day,” he penned on the platform.
“Your selfless service is beyond measure,” the post continued. “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.”
Social media users labeled the former NFL player as “unpatriotic,” for the defiant act, and have called to have him fire.
“If you can’t respect our military, you need to be removed from the NFL ON FOX!! GOOD BYE STRAHAN!!” One critic tweeted.
“Michael Strahan disrespected every service member. Someone needs to remind him the reason for his freedom is because of our BRAVE Men and Women in the military. Shame on him,” another added.
The longtime co-host of “Good Morning America” was notably absent from Monday’s broadcast the next day.
Tony Romo loves him some George W. Bush.
“One of the great human beings you’ll ever meet.” pic.twitter.com/OuZwLhLhay
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 10, 2024
Meanwhile, Tony Romo stirred controversy among NFL fans following his live praise of former president George W. Bush during Sunday Night Football.
Romo, who served as the Cowboys’ quarterback from 2003-2016, was an announcer during Dallas’ 34-6 home loss to the Philadelphia Eagles that Sunday when cameras caught Bush among the spectators at AT&T Stadium.
Romo showered the two-term former president with compliments, stating, “He’s also very impressive. He loves sports, he loves America, one of the great human beings you’ll ever meet.”
Fans criticized Romo’s comments, reminding him of Bush’s presidency during the Iraq war.
“Well, if a great guy is someone who causes the deaths of thousands of U.S. soldiers in a bulls**t war, then yeah, George W. Bush is a great guy,” someone snarked.
“Ask him about the Patriot Act, Tony,” another added.
Separately, the NFL fined San Francisco 49ers’ defensive end Nick Bosa for displaying a “Make America Great Again” hat during a post-game interview ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s landslide victory over Vice President Kamala Harris.
Bosa photo bombed an NBC “Sunday Night Football” interview with teammates after a 30-24 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on October 27, pointing to his white and gold “MAGA” hat before darting off-screen.
Bosa has been fined $11,255 by the NFL for the political message, reportedly breaching league rules prohibiting personal or political messages during game day.
Just became a Nick Bosa fan ❤️🤣 pic.twitter.com/oWjErduCos
— MAGA Xlr8ing (@xlr8ing19002) October 28, 2024
The NFL regulations state they “will not grant permission” for messages related to “political activities or causes, other non-football events, causes or campaigns, or charitable causes or campaigns.”
This rule covers the entire “game day a player is visible to the stadium and television audience, including pregame warm-ups, bench area activity, and postgame interviews in the locker room or on the field.”
Following the hat appearance, Bosa was questioned in a press conference about making a political statement.
Bosa responded, “I’m not gonna talk too much about it, but I think it’s an important time.”
The next week, after Trump’s decisive victory, when reporters asked about the potential fine, Bosa said, “if it comes, it comes.”
When asked if he knew it was a possibility, the defensive end remarked,” It was well worth it.”
“I don’t think my position on speaking about it is going to change; clearly the nation spoke, and we got what we got,” he concluded.
Yesterday: fined $11,255 for wearing a MAGA hat
Today: celebrates with the iconic Trump dance after a sack
In a world of Colin Kaepernicks, be a Nick Bosa pic.twitter.com/eUBoZ6cXzI
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) November 10, 2024
Bosa used Trump as inspiration for an on-field celebration during the 49ers’ 23-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
After sacking opposing quarterback Baker Mayfield, Bosa performed a dance resembling Trump’s notable moves on the campaign trail.
The president-elect gave the 49ers’ star a shout out after seeing his dance, posting on Truth Social, “Nick Bosa is a great player!”