Super Bowl LIV: NFL rejects commercial from American Veterans that urged people to stand for national anthem
The NFL has rejected a Super Bowl commercial from American Veterans urging people to stand for the national anthem. According to Fox News, the service organization had been invited by the league to place an ad in the LII program. Their commercial included a two-word message— "Please stand". You can watch the ad here.
In his letter to the NFL, National Commander Marion Polk wrote: "It's a simple, polite request that represents the sentiment of our membership, particularly those whose missing or paralyzed limbs preclude standing," Brian McCarthy, the NFL spokesman said the program was designed to celebrate the game. "It's never been a place for advertising that could be considered by some as a political statement," McCarthy told Army Times, while the veterans accused the NFL of outright censorship.
"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 wrote. "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."
"Veterans are good for more than just military aircraft flyovers, photo opportunities during halftime or props to sell camouflage-style NFL apparel; although, the NFL's stance on not allowing the veterans' unfiltered voice to be heard says otherwise," Polk added in his letter. The NFL has been in the news for national anthem protests throughout the season.
Super Bowl LIV is slated to start at 6.30 pm ET on Fox.