FOX reporter Jay Glazer has spoken out on the situation involving colleague Michael Strahan at the network.
The former NFL Pro Bowler is under fire for being “disrespectful,” with fans calling for him to be fired after he was seen with his hands in front of him during the national anthem.
Strahan and the rest of the FOX NFL pregame show crew visited a naval base in San Diego ahead of Veterans Day. He was seen with his hands down while his coworkers all had their right hands on their hearts while “The Star-Spangled Banner” played.
While it was not a great look for Strahan, Glazer has come to his defense, pointing to the former’s deep respect for the military and his contributions to veterans while also noting how his dad’s role as a Major and his living on an Army base helped shape Michael into the man he is.
“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!” he wrote in a lengthy tweet.
“But also, with no fanfare i personally saw him donate thousands of dollars of clothes to veterans, including many homeless veterans as well clothes for veterans to go on job interviews.”
I’ve just seen the criticism of @michaelstrahan. 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…
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) November 11, 2024
FOX Has Made A Decision On Michael Strahan
FOX has reportedly decided not to punish Michael Strahan over what they reckon was an honest mistake.
The Daily Mail cites a source noting the above.
“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,” they were quoted as telling 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 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. He’s standing quietly at attention. We need to stop getting so upset at every little thing. https://t.co/7mrHFAmk52
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) November 11, 2024
Strahan seemingly responded to the backlash by posting a photo of his father in military uniform to Instagram while paying tribute to veterans for their service.
