Michael Strahan addresses national anthem backlash: I didn’t make a statement!

Michael Strahan is pushing back against outrage over his stance during the national anthem on Sunday … and claiming his hand position was simply because he was caught up in the moment.

The former Giants TV personality released a lengthy video statement on the matter … and strongly denied that he was trying to make a political statement when the “Star-Spangled Banner” played during the Fox NFL Sunday broadcast The Veterans Day theme ran from Naval Base San Diego.

Strahan explained that his deep respect for the military actually led to his pose… Because he was so impressed by the sailors present at the event, he was unaware that his co-hosts all had their hands on the during the anthem Chest had been playing – which, he admitted, made him panic.

Instead of switching mid-song to fit in with the others and risk looking like an “idiot,” Strahan thought it best to hold his hands respectfully in front of him – and that’s what he did.

The Hall of Famer scoffed at the suggestion that he lacked respect for the armed forces – after all, he grew up on a military base and his family is made up of people who have served the country.

As for his tense encounter with a reporter who tried to question him about the issue outside his New York office on Tuesday… Strahan expressed regret over how he handled the situation – but said he left his family and his home will always protect.