Terry Bradshaw couldn’t help but jokingly scold Michael Strahan as the soon-to-be 76-year-old erupted into laughter after Strahan’s playful dig at Rob Gronkowski for his rendition of the national anthem.
During a previous Fox NFL pregame show, Gronkowski hosted the LA Bowl with humorous off-key singing alongside the New Directions Veterans Choir.
After Gronkowski claimed, “I was doing it for America,” analyst and former New York Giants great Strahan quipped: “You know what you could do for America? Don’t do that again.”
The panel burst into fits of laughter, leaving Pittsburgh Steelers icon Bradshaw to chuckle and say: “That’s wrong.”
However, Strahan found himself embroiled in controversy and received backlash for his actions on-air with Fox preceding their packed NFL Sunday lineup, right before Veterans Day on November 11.
As a homage to military service members on the anniversary marking the end of WWI, ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ echoed with most of the panel showing respect by placing their hands over their hearts amid servicemen, an established patriotic gesture during the national anthem.
In a surprising turn of events, Strahan chose to keep his hands interlocked in front of him during the anthem, a move that was quickly noticed by fans. The Super Bowl XLII champion’s decision sparked outrage among viewers, who took to social media to express their disapproval and call for his dismissal.
Newsmax host Todd Starnes was among those who criticised Strahan, posting: “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 behaviour is not just repugnant, it’s downright cowardly.”
Amid the backlash, Strahan posted a photo of his father, Major Gene W. Strahan Sr, during his time in the military on Instagram, paying tribute to veterans across the US.
The Good Morning America co-host, who was absent from Monday’s programme, wrote: “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.
“Just as I honour 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.”
The act of paying respect to the anthem and the flag has been a hot topic in recent years, particularly within the NFL. This debate was sparked when Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers began a movement by kneeling during the anthem as a silent protest against racism and police brutality.
This action from players has ignited heated debates, with detractors arguing it demonstrates a lack of patriotism.
This article was first published on Mirror US.