Michael Strahan found himself in hot water on Tuesday after an altercation with a reporter over the ongoing national anthem controversy. The former NFL star and current television personality has been under fire since Sunday when he failed to place his hand over his heart during the national anthem, prompting backlash from fans and calls for him to be fired from Fox Sports.
Strahan was spotted standing with his hands folded in front of him while his Fox Sports colleagues stood with their hands over their hearts during the national anthem.
The incident took place during a broadcast from Naval Base San Diego as part of the Veterans Day celebrations. Strahan’s actions quickly sparked outrage from some viewers, who labeled the behavior “cowardly” and “disrespectful.”
On Tuesday, after arriving home from his duties at ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Strahan was approached by a reporter seeking a comment on the situation. Strahan immediately reacted with anger, shouting, “Don’t come to my house, man!” before grabbing the reporter’s cell phone and tossing it into a nearby bush. He then made his way inside his $20 million townhouse with his girlfriend, Kayla Quick.
The former New York Giants player, who grew up on an army base and whose father is a retired Army Major, was notably absent from “Good Morning America” on Monday following the anthem incident.
However, in the wake of growing criticism on social media, Strahan posted a tribute to his father and to all veterans, attempting to shift the narrative and express gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who served.
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When Strahan returned to ABC’s Manhattan studios on Tuesday morning, he made no reference to the controversy during any of the show’s segments. He briefly introduced a story about a soldier being reunited with his family on Veterans Day, but he avoided making any direct comments about his own behavior during the national anthem.
Fox Sports, meanwhile, has chosen to stand by Strahan despite the backlash.
A source close to the network told DailyMail.com that Strahan’s colleagues understand that he wasn’t intentionally trying to draw attention to himself during the anthem. “His peers have his back and understand that he wasn’t making the moment about himself,” the source said. “There isn’t going to be any type of punishment or fine going Michael’s way.”
The insider also suggested that Strahan might address the situation publicly, but that he was weighing his options. “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 about the men and women who deserve it and deserve the praise. To be in the conversation this way and extend the talk on what people think he was doing would be a disservice to what the day means.”
While Fox Sports has shown support for Strahan, there has been no official statement from ABC representatives regarding his behavior at the event. Strahan is one of ABC’s highest-paid hosts, earning a reported $20 million annually, and is frequently tasked with conducting high-profile interviews.
Strahan’s career has been defined by success both on and off the field. Drafted by the New York Giants in 1993, he spent 14 seasons in the NFL, earning a Super Bowl victory and multiple Pro Bowl selections. In 2014, Strahan was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of the game. After retiring in 2007, he joined “Good Morning America” in 2012 and became a full-time host in 2016.
Despite his accomplishments, Strahan’s recent actions have led some critics to question his integrity and worthiness of the honors he has received. Newsmax host Todd Starnes was among those who criticized Strahan, tweeting, “Michael Strahan disrespected the military during a Veterans Day pre-game show on @NFLonFOX.
The great irony is Strahan on a ship surrounded by men and women who would willingly sacrifice their lives to protect his freedom. So, his behavior is not just repugnant, it’s downright cowardly.”
The backlash has been strong on social media, with many fans expressing disappointment and anger over Strahan’s actions. One fan wrote, “What the hell is wrong with Michael Strahan!? On effing Veterans Day! Boo, @NFL. Boo, @NFLonFOX. Not cool.” Another added, “Fire Michael Strahan! This is unacceptable!”
Despite the criticism, Strahan has yet to make an official statement addressing the incident directly. For now, he appears to be focusing on his work with both ABC and Fox Sports, while his supporters hope that the controversy will eventually blow over.
Strahan’s legacy as an NFL legend and television personality remains largely intact, but this recent incident has undoubtedly cast a shadow over his public image.
Whether or not he chooses to address the controversy further, it is clear that Strahan’s actions during the national anthem have struck a nerve with many, and the fallout is likely to continue in the coming days.
