Michael Strahan’s absence from Good Morning America on Monday did not go unnoticed by viewers, 

particularly as it followed a wave of controversy stemming from his recent appearance on Fox Sports. 

The former NFL star and longtime GMA anchor found himself at the center of a heated debate 

after his actions during the national anthem at a televised sports event drew mixed reactions from the public.

Controversy Over National Anthem Stance

The controversy began when Strahan, 52, was seen standing with his hands clasped in front of him during the national anthem on Fox Sports’ broadcast from San Diego’s Naval Base. 

While his co-hosts placed their hands over their hearts, Strahan’s decision not to follow suit sparked backlash on social media.

For some viewers, this small gesture was perceived as a sign of disrespect, with critics labeling him “unpatriotic” and demanding a public apology. Social media users expressed their outrage, with one comment stating, “Shameful! You should not return to GMA until you publicly apologize.” Others questioned why Good Morning America had yet to acknowledge the controversy, further fueling speculation about his absence from the morning show.

Strahan Honors His Father and Military Veterans

Amid the ongoing criticism, Strahan took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute to his father, Major Gene W. Strahan Sr., a military veteran. In his post, he honored his father’s service and extended gratitude to all veterans and active service members.

“Thank you to all veterans and active service members who courageously risk their lives to protect us every day,” Strahan wrote. “Just as I honor my father, I keep all of you in my thoughts each and every day. We would not have the safety and freedoms we cherish without you.”

While his message was meant to express appreciation for the military, it also served as a subtle response to those questioning his patriotism. However, reactions to his statement remained divided.

Mixed Reactions from the Public

While some continued to criticize Strahan, others came to his defense, arguing that his actions were being blown out of proportion. Many pointed out his deep family ties to the military, including his father’s 23 years of service in the Army and Strahan’s upbringing on a U.S. Army base in Germany.

Kate Mannion, a military veteran and host of the Zero Blog 30 podcast, dismissed the criticism, calling out what she referred to as the “Anthem Police.”

“He can do whatever he wants. Also, not that it matters, but his dad served 23 years. Please, shut uppppp,” she wrote, expressing frustration over the backlash.

Sports entrepreneur Joe Pompliano also weighed in, reminding critics of Strahan’s long history of supporting veterans.

“Michael Strahan’s dad served in the Army for 23 years. He grew up on a US Army base in Germany and has given a ton of money to veteran charities. We need to stop getting so upset at every little thing,” Pompliano stated.

Strahan’s Legacy in Sports and Television

Despite the ongoing debate, there is no denying Strahan’s impressive career both in professional sports and broadcasting. After being drafted by the New York Giants in 1993, he spent his entire NFL career with the team, eventually leading them to a Super Bowl victory against the New England Patriots in 2008. His record for most single-season quarterback sacks still stands today, tied with T.J. Watt.

Following his retirement, Strahan successfully transitioned to television, becoming a fan favorite on Good Morning America while also serving as an analyst on Fox NFL Sunday. His charisma and ability to connect with audiences have made him one of the most recognizable figures in sports media.

What’s Next for Strahan?

As of now, neither Strahan nor Good Morning America has directly addressed his absence from the show. Whether his time away was a scheduled break or connected to the controversy remains unclear. However, given his track record of professionalism and resilience, it is unlikely that this incident will have a lasting impact on his career.

For now, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see if he returns to Good Morning America in the coming days and whether he chooses to further address the situation. Regardless of the controversy, Strahan’s contributions to sports, media, and philanthropy continue to shape his legacy beyond any single moment of scrutiny.

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