On Sunday afternoon, former Dallas Cowboys great Troy Aikman got into some hot water during an NFL broadcast as he commentated on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers game. Aikman and co-host Joe Buck were caught on a hot microphone not realizing fans at home could hear them bashing military flyovers during NFL pregame ceremonies.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Hall of Fame quarterback broke his silence about his “hot mic” comments. Aikman and Buck both caught a lot of criticism for their remarks, and social media had a field day with the two NFL analysts. However, Aikman said he was in no way trying to disparage the armed forces, and fully supports American troops.
“I love a flyover, but it was odd to see one over a mostly empty stadium,” Aikman tried to explain. “But I am an unwavering patriot that loves this country, has always respected our flag, supported the men and women in the armed forces as well as those in uniform who serve & protect and for anyone to suggest otherwise doesn’t know me, my beliefs or what I have stood for my entire life.”
Aikman and Buck’s Controversial “Hot Mic” Comments
The longtime co-hosts thought the Packers-Bucs broadcast was in a commercial break. Yet, the program’s microphones were clearly still on. Defector Media shared a clip of the interaction, and it did not take it long to go viral.
“That’s a lot of jet fuel just to do a little flyover,” said Aikman not realizing he was on-air.
“That’s your hard-earned money and your tax dollars at work!” Buck responded jokingly.
“That stuff ain’t happening with [a] Kamala-Biden ticket. I’ll tell you that right now, partner,” Aikman said before the conversation ended.
Pregame flyovers are not cheap. But, the military says there are some benefits including pilot training and helping them with recruiting. The Washington Post reported earlier this year that a military jet flyover can cost around $60,000 per hour.
[H/T TMZ]
