AMVETS #PleaseStand Super Bowl Ad Rejected By NFL @AMVETSHQ

NFL Rejects AMVETS Super Bowl ad requesting that people ‘Please Stand’

AMVETS National Headquarters, Jan. 22, 2018 – The National Football League, amid controversy surrounding its players kneeling in protest during the National Anthem, has refused to run an ad by American Veterans (AMVETS) in the official Super Bowl program because of its simple, two-word message – “Please Stand.”

In a January 22 letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, AMVETS National Commander Marion Polk wrote, “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. 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.”

A U.S. flag covers the field before an NFL football game between the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 31, 2017, in Denver. (Jack Dempsey/AP)

The same ad was accepted by both the NHL and NBA and is slated to run in the official programs for each organization’s all-star games.

AMVETS National Commander Marion Polk and AMVETS Executive Director Joe Chenelly are both available to speak with media about their outrage and disappointment at the NFL’s decision to stifle the speech of veterans. Media interested in speaking with them are encouraged to contact AMVETS at the phone number or e-mail address listed above.

AMVETS is the nation’s largest and oldest Congressionally-chartered veterans service organization that is open to and fights for all veterans who served honorably, including reservists & guardsmen. AMVETS has been a nonpartisan advocate for veterans and their families for more than 70 years.

Contact: John Hoellwarth
National Communications Director
AMVETS (American Veterans)
(703) 628-9621
media@amvets.org

Source: AMVETS.org Post

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| MilitaryTimes.com stated:

“Freedom of speech works both ways,” he said. “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.

“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.”

Service members hold the American flag during the pre-game ceremony of a military appreciation game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Nov. 24, 2013. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nick Wilson/Released)

| AmericanMilitaryNews.com reports:

An NFL spokesman issued a statement explaining why the ad was not accepted.

“The Super Bowl game program is designed for fans to commemorate and celebrate the game, players, teams and the Super Bowl,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told USA Today Sports. “It’s never been a place for advertising that could be considered by some as a political statement. The NFL has long supported the military and veterans and will again salute our service members in the Super Bowl with memorable on-field moments that will be televised as part of the game.”

McCarthy said AMVETS had an opportunity to change the wording in the ad from “Please stand” to other options such as “Please Honor Our Veterans” or “Please Stand for Our Veterans.”

An ad for the Veterans of Foreign Wars reading “We Stand for Veterans” was approved by the Super Bowl program.

| Stripes.com reports:

Production on the programs was delayed while they awaited an answer from AMVETS, McCarthy said, and the NFL ultimately printed the programs without the ad in order to meet deadlines.

Chenelly disputes the NFL didn’t heard back from AMVETS in time for printing. He said the group responded to the league that changing the words on their ad would mean abandoning their message.

AMVETS, an organization comprising approximately 250,000 veterans and 1,400 posts nationwide, sent a letter to Goodell on Monday calling the decision to exclude their ad an affront to free speech.