NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed the NFL’s decision to deny advertising space in the Super Bowl program to AMVETS, because of its political statement. According to CNN, the full page ad was set to feature a military honor guard holding an American Flag with “#PleaseStand” at the top of the page.
McCarthy said the NFL requested AMVETS to use the message “Please Honor our Veterans” or ”Please Stand for our Veterans” rather than “#PleaseStand.” McCarthy also stated an ad from the Veterans of Foreign Wars group was approved, which will say, “We Stand for Veterans.”
AMVETS said their requested ad was approved by both the NHL and NBA for their official all-star game programs. The NBA allows both players and coaches to speak very candidly regarding their political opinions, but the league has avoided any controversy regarding the National Anthem.
The protest began last season when former 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick knelt during the National Anthem to protest mistreatment of black Americans. This past September, the protest grew rapidly after President Trump stated the NFL should “fire” any player who kneels. By the end of the season only five teams had players who were still taking a knee during the anthem, none of which advanced to the playoffs.
After AMVETS advertisement request was denied by the NFL, AMVETS national commander Marion Polk sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressing the groups’ disappointment with the decision.
“Freedom of speech works both ways. We respect the rights of those who choose to protest, as these rights are precisely what our members have fought — and in many cases died — for,” Polk said in his letter to Goodell. “But imposing corporate censorship to deny that same right to those veterans who have secured it for us all is reprehensible and totally beyond the pale.”
Brandon Contes is a freelance writer for BSM. He can be found on Twitter @BrandonContes. To reach him by email click here.