Michael Strahan Addresses National Anthem Response, I Didn’t Make a Statement!

Michael Strahan fires back at the outrage surrounding his stand for Sunday’s national anthem … claiming his hand placement was simply the result of him getting caught up in the moment.

The Giants’ big TV personality released a lengthy video statement on the matter … emphatically denying that he was trying to make a political statement as the “Star-Spangled Banner” played during the “Fox NFL Sunday” broadcast with Veteran’s Day theme of Naval Base San Diego.

Strahan explained that his deep respect for the military actually led to his pose… because he was so amazed by the sailors in attendance at the event, he didn’t realize that his co-hosts all had their hands on their chests as the national anthem. played – which, he admitted, panicked him.

Rather than change mid-song to fit the other guys and risk coming off as a “fool,” Strahan said he felt it was best to respectfully keep his hands to himself — which is what he did.

The Hall of Famer scoffed at the idea that he had no respect for the armed forces. After all, he grew up on a military base and his family consists of people who served the country.

As for his tense encounter with a reporter who tried to ask him about the subject outside his NYC office on Tuesday… Strahan shared his regrets about the way he handled the situation, but said he will always protect his family and his home protect.