In a dramatic and eyebrow-raising response to the recent national anthem controversy, Fox has officially removed Michael Strahan from his on-air duties and slapped him with a staggering $150,000 fine for what they’re calling “flagrant disrespect for the flag.” The former NFL star-turned-TV host found himself in the network’s crosshairs after failing to place his hand over his heart during the national anthem on Veterans Day, an oversight that has quickly snowballed into a public scandal.

“Patriotism is non-negotiable,” said a spokesperson for Fox, explaining the network’s heavy-handed reaction. “When it comes to respecting the flag, we simply don’t compromise, and our audience doesn’t expect us to. We feel Michael’s actions, intentional or not, sent the wrong message to the millions watching that day.”

The incident in question took place during the Fox NFL Sunday broadcast in San Diego, where Strahan, flanked by Navy service members, stood respectfully during the national anthem—but, to the surprise of many viewers, without his hand over his heart. Social media lit up as viewers speculated whether Strahan was making a silent statement or simply lost in thought. For his part, Strahan explained that he was overwhelmed with pride for the young service members, which led him to forget the hand-over-heart gesture.

“I was just standing there, completely in awe of these young men and women,” Strahan shared in a later statement. “It wasn’t any kind of protest or message. I just got caught up in the moment, plain and simple.”

But for Fox executives, the explanation wasn’t enough. In what some are calling a “knee-jerk reaction,” the network issued the $1 million fine, along with the announcement that Strahan would be removed from his on-air role indefinitely.

In a statement released shortly after the controversy erupted, Fox defended its actions, emphasizing the importance of patriotic displays in a time of national divide. “We respect all viewpoints,” the statement read, “but respect for the flag is paramount. Millions of viewers tune in to our network to see hosts who understand and embody American values.”

The network’s decision to fine Strahan $1 million has been met with widespread criticism, with fans and commentators alike questioning the severity of the punishment. “A million dollars for forgetting one gesture? It’s beyond absurd,” said one viewer on Twitter. “Fox seems more interested in headlines than in real patriotism.”

But others supported the network’s hard stance, saying that a public figure like Strahan should “know better.” As one Fox supporter wrote, “He’s a role model, and respect for the flag should come first. If he’s not setting an example, then who is?”

Strahan’s week only got worse when he was ambushed by a reporter outside his New York home, where he briefly lost his composure. A video shows Strahan grabbing the reporter’s phone and tossing it into a nearby bush. In an Instagram post addressing both the anthem incident and his reaction to the reporter, Strahan admitted, “I’m not proud of the way I handled that whole situation.”

“You gotta protect your family and your home,” he explained, adding that he felt blindsided by the unexpected visit from the press. “It’s one thing to be on air and face public scrutiny. But showing up at my home? That’s a line crossed.”

Strahan’s honest admission struck a chord with fans, who rallied around him in support. “Michael’s human like the rest of us,” one fan commented on Instagram. “Everyone makes mistakes. This punishment is way over the top.”

With the fine and removal from his role, Fox’s actions have ignited a fierce debate. Supporters of Strahan argue that the punishment is wildly disproportionate, especially considering the context of the oversight. “Strahan was standing there respectfully,” noted one commenter on social media. “If he had his hand over his heart or not, he clearly wasn’t protesting anything. Fox just wants to make an example out of him.”

Others have speculated that Fox is using the incident as a way to reassert its commitment to patriotism, especially given its core audience. “They’re playing to their base,” a TV analyst remarked. “The network knows that certain viewers care deeply about these displays, and Fox wants to make sure they know where it stands.”

But while the network doubles down, some are questioning if their patriotic stance has taken things too far. “There’s a difference between setting standards and policing every move,” said a columnist. “When did forgetting one gesture during the anthem become a million-dollar crime?”

Critics have speculated that the fine, rather than being a legitimate response, is more of a PR move intended to make a splash. “Fox knows that $1 million makes headlines,” noted a PR expert. “They could have issued a simple warning or reminder about the importance of patriotic gestures, but they chose a headline-grabbing number instead.”

Some fans have taken to calling the fine a “flag fee,” joking that Fox will now implement patriotic penalties for anyone who doesn’t perfectly align with their idea of respect. “If $1 million is the going rate for a missed gesture, what’s next?” quipped one Twitter user. “A ‘pledge fee’ for anyone who messes up the Pledge of Allegiance?”

The humor, though light-hearted, highlights a genuine concern: whether the fine sets a dangerous precedent for networks attempting to police patriotism to such an extreme degree.

For Strahan, the future is uncertain. While his fans have rallied behind him, calling for Fox to reverse its decision, there’s no indication that the network is reconsidering the fine or his on-air dismissal. Strahan’s representatives have not yet announced any further actions, though the host’s recent Instagram video suggests he’s focused on moving forward.

With the public largely on his side, some speculate that Strahan may take a break from the spotlight or even consider a move to a less politicized network. “Michael’s a beloved figure,” commented a friend. “Whether he’s on TV or off, people know he’s a good guy. This won’t be the end of his career.”

Fox’s decision to fine Strahan has left many wondering whether the network is genuinely standing up for American values or simply pandering to its audience. In either case, the episode has reignited a national conversation on the lengths that institutions should—or shouldn’t—go in enforcing displays of patriotism.

“Respecting the flag should come from the heart, not the wallet,” argued one commentator. “When patriotism becomes a fineable offense, we’ve lost sight of what it truly means to honor our country.”

As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Fox’s move has only added fuel to the fire. For now, Strahan’s fans await his next move, and the nation watches to see if Fox’s “patriotic penalty” will mark a turning point—or merely a headline—for celebrity standards in the age of 24-hour scrutiny.