Super Bowl LII Program Printed Without AMVET Advertisement.

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The NFL has rejected the AMVETS‘ Super Bowl LII program advertisement that encourages people and players attending the game to stand for the national anthem. The full-page advertisement was going to display a picture of the American flag, soldiers saluting, and “Please Stand” in bold lettering. (This advertisement was made in reference to players kneeling during the anthem in protest to racial inequality and injustice.)

There was a surge in fan outcry last season when the President of the United States (POTUS)  publicly criticized the NFL for allowing the kneeling to continue, however, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and NFL owners decided that the league will not fine players or penalize teams for the non-violent protest.

AMVETS director stated that their organization is disappointed that the NFL had rejected their advertisement and discounted the NFL’s statement that they do not wish to take a position on the protests and reiterated that he believes they are taking a position by rejecting their Ad.

The Super Bowl LII program will be printed without the AMVET’s Ad, and the Vice President of Communications (VPOC) for the NFL stated that Super Bowl programs are no place for political views or messages. The Super Bowl’s program is designed for fans to commemorate players, the Super Bowl, the teams, the game itself, and that the program has never been a place for any advertising that could be remotely considered to be political in nature. He also added that the NFL has been a long time supporter of the Military and Veterans, and will continue to salute service members during the Super Bowl with an on-field commemoration that will be televised.

The NFL gave AMVETS a chance to change their Ad. As a compromise, it was suggested they change their wording from “Please Stand”, to other options including, but not limited to, “Please Stand for Our Veterans” or “Please Honor Our Veterans”. The NFL had approved a similar Ad from Veterans of Foreign Wars that read, “We Stand For Veterans”.

 

Edited By: Morgan Adele

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