How Michael Strahan handled national anthem uproar in 'GMA' return

It was business as usual for Michael Strahan when he returned to “Good Morning America” on Tuesday amid backlash over his mannerisms during the national anthem on a special pre-Veterans Day broadcast on “Fox NFL Sunday” from Naval Base San Diego.

The Giants legend, who was absent from ABC’s “GMA” on Monday, was criticized for standing with his hands folded in front of him during the national anthem, while his Fox Sports co-hosts stood with their hands over their hearts among dozens of military personnel.

Strahan, 52, fulfilled his regular duties at the anchor desk without mention of the controversy, which took the internet by storm.

3 Michael Strahan returned to “GMA” Tuesday, Nov. 12, after being absent the day prior following backlash over his mannerisms during a special pre-Veterans Day broadcast on “Fox NFL Sunday” from Naval Base San Diego. X/GMA

His “GMA” co-hosts mentioned a heartfelt moment during “Monday Night Football” when the ESPN broadcast showed a Marine’s reunion with his family for Veterans Day.

On Monday, Strahan posted a message honoring his father, Major Gene W. Strahan Sr., who he said served for 23 years in the army and was a proud member of the 82nd Airborne Division.

3 Michael Strahan faced backlash for standing with his arms down during the national anthem on “NFL on Fox” at the Naval Base in San Diego on Nov. 10, 2024. X/Fox Sports NFL

That same day, Fox Sports personality Jay Glazer — who was standing with Strahan during the national anthem at Naval Base San Diego — defended the former Super Bowl champ in a post on X.

“I’ve just seen the criticism of [Michael Strahan],” Glazer wrote Monday. “Let me tell you this, I don’t know if I have a friend who is more proud of his military roots than Michael, growing up on an army base constantly talking about what he learned from his dad Major Gene Strahan and how his time there shaped him. I heard it CONSTANTLY, still do!”

Strahan didn’t expect that negative backlash, according to the Daily Mail, which reported he will not be disciplined by Fox Sports.

“His peers have his back and understand that he wasn’t making the moment about himself. There isn’t going to be any type of punishment or fine going Michael’s way,” a source told the outlet.

“He may address it, but he is weighing his options because he never thought this would have ever been a thing. He knows the man he is, and he almost doesn’t want to address the controversy to give it more life.

“Michael wants Veterans Day to be for those men and women who deserve it and deserve the praise, to be in the conversation this way and to extend the talk on what people think he was doing, it would be a disservice to what the day means.”

3 Michael Strahan honors his father, Maj. Gene W. Strahan, Sr. on Veterans Day on Nov. 11, 2024. Instagram/Michael Strahan

Strahan called his father his “hero” and then went on to honor all veterans for their service.

“Thank you to all veterans and active service members who courageously risk their lives to protect us every day,” he wrote, including photos of his father in uniform. “Your selfless service is beyond measure. This is my hero, it is also my father, Maj. Gene W. Strahan, Sr.”

“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.”

Many believed Strahan’s demeanor during the national anthem was disrespectful to veterans, especially with the show being filmed on location Naval Base San Diego ahead of Veterans Day.

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