Viewers Want Host Michael Strahan ‘Fired’ Over Disrespectful Veterans Day Pre-Game Show

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Many people are familiar with Michael Strahan because of his job as a host. He is always out there giving us the news about sports, but the 52-year-old recently found himself in some hot water.

He was hosting the Fox NFL Sunday and was out with his crew at the San Diego Naval base. They were there to honor Veterans Day on November 10, 2024.

The problem is, Michael made a decision during the playing of the national anthem and he stood with his arms folded in front of him. As a result, people are calling him disrespectful and are even looking for him to be fired.

It all happened at the naval base in San Diego, where the US Armed Forces was being honored that day. It happens every year as a part of the Veterans Day weekend, where we pay tribute to the sacrifices of the men and women in our country.

As the group of men stood for the national anthem, many of them had their hands over their hearts but Stratum stood respectfully with his hands folded in front of him. That is where the controversy came in.

Many people were tagging the post with a lot of negative comments, calling him disrespectful and saying he should be ashamed.

One of the commenters actually suggested that they fire the host, and ask him why he didn’t place his right hand over his heart during the playing of the national anthem.

They also claim to already know why he didn’t do it.

Then again, there were others who were wondering why people couldn’t mind their own business because he was standing respectfully. They brought out that it was important to have your hand over your heart for the Pledge of Allegiance but if you stand quietly, that’s perfectly fine for the national anthem.

When a flag ceremony is taking place, such as raising or lowering the flag or if it passes by in a parade, there is protocol as to how people should show their respect. If somebody is in uniform, they should salute but if they are the armed forces member not in uniform, they can salute but they don’t have to.

Civilians, however, are responsible for standing at attention and facing the flag with their right hand over their heart. If they are wearing a hat, it should be removed with the right hand and the hat should be held over the heart.

Since Stratum was standing respectfully, that is essentially what he is responsible for doing during the anthem as a civilian. Some viewers, however, were expecting him to have his hand over his heart and they considered what he did disrespectful.

Stratum ended up posting a picture on his Instagram page, saying: “Thank you to all veterans and active service members who courageously risk their lives to protect us every day. Your selfless service is beyond measure.” It was written alongside a picture of his father, who had served for 23 years in the U.S. Army and was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division.

Strahan said: “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.”