The governor of South Carolina took a political jab at the NFL this week by proclaiming Feb. 4 as “Stand for the Flag Super Bowl Sunday.”
A contentious NFL season marred by national-anthem controversies will come to a close on Sunday when the New England Patriots take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII. Players and fans inside Minneapolis’ U.S. Bank Stadium may sit for the national anthem, but Gov. Henry McMaster wants attendees from the Palmetto State to reject the practice.
“Standing for the national anthem recognizes and honors the sacrifice of generations of men and women who have chosen to serve in the United States Armed Forces,” Mr. McMaster, a Republican, said in a statement. “I ask that all South Carolinians show the world our state’s resolute commitment to supporting our troops by standing for the national anthem wherever you watch the Super Bowl with your loved ones this Sunday.”
Mr. McMaster then honored 417,000 veterans who reside in South Carolina, along with “the fact that the state has the tenth highest active duty military population, along with the ninth highest military retiree population.”
NBC Sports EP Fred Gaudelli told attendees at a Television Critics Association event on Jan. 9 that any players who kneel for the national anthem “will be shown live.”
I ask that all South Carolinians show the world our state’s resolute commitment to supporting our troops by standing for the national anthem wherever you watch the Super Bowl with your loved ones this Sunday. #IStand pic.twitter.com/x5pK3zPNTO
— Henry McMaster (@henrymcmaster) January 30, 2018
SEE ALSO: Donald Trump may give NBC a super snub on pre-Super Bowl LII interview: report
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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