Player Turns Back During Super Bowl Anthem

During Super Bowl LX, New England Patriots player Stefon Diggs turned his back while the U.S. national anthem played. This happened before the game. Some people online were not happy about it. The singer of the anthem also had people talking.
By Newsroom | Sports, NFL |

Standoff During Super Bowl LX National Anthem

During the recent Super Bowl LX, a notable moment unfolded as New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs was observed to turn his back towards the field while the U.S. national anthem was being performed. This action occurred before the game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium. The New England Patriots player’s conduct has drawn varied reactions from the public.

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Events Surrounding the Anthem Performance

The national anthem at Super Bowl LX was performed by singer-songwriter Charlie Puth. This rendition was a point of discussion itself, with some viewers on social media suggesting that Charlie Puth may have lip-synced his performance.

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Following the conclusion of the anthem, Stefon Diggs reportedly moved towards the Patriots' bench and appeared to stare at members of the audience. Reports indicate he was observed "bouncing up and down" while facing the stands, rather than the field.

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Diggs' Past Anthem Actions and Public Response

This is not the first time Stefon Diggs has faced scrutiny for his actions during the national anthem. Reports suggest he engaged in similar behavior earlier in the playoffs, which also led to criticism. The recent event at Super Bowl LX has reignited these discussions online, with social media platforms showing a significant number of viewers expressing disapproval of what they perceived as a disrespectful gesture.

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Conflicting Observations and Interpretations

While multiple reports from The Mirror and The Irish Star detail Stefon Diggs turning his back during the anthem and facing the stands, the specific motivation behind his actions remains a subject of interpretation. He was quoted as saying, "Nobody liked us, but I liked us. I ain't come here for nothing, man," which was noted after the anthem performance. The precise context of these statements in relation to his anthem gesture is unclear from the provided information.

Player Intros and Game Context

Separately, Loudwire reported on the music played during the Super Bowl player introductions, noting that three rock and metal songs were featured. The Super Bowl LX matchup itself featured the Seattle Seahawks against the New England Patriots. Seahawks.com provided a video link to Charlie Puth's anthem performance.

Evidence Log

  • The Mirror: "Stefon Diggs repeats disrespectful national anthem conduct he was slammed over NFL fans ruthlessly slammed Stefon Diggs after the New England Patriots star wide receiver appeared to "turn his back" on the American flag during Super Bowl LX… Mirror U.S. Sports spotted Diggs — who recently handed a brutal reality check to his teammates — bouncing up and down while facing the stands instead of the field."

  • The Irish Star: "Stefon Diggs was once again seen turning his back on the American flag during the pre-game National Anthem at Super Bowl LX, having been criticized for the act earlier in the playoffs… Mirror U.S. Sports observed Diggs jumping energetically while turned toward the stands rather than the field."

  • Loudwire: Details rock and metal songs played during player intros.

  • Seahawks.com: Provides video of Charlie Puth performing the national anthem.

  • Daily Mail: Discusses viewer opinions on Charlie Puth potentially lip-syncing the anthem.

Expert Analysis

  • Social Media Reactions: Online commentary, as reported by The Mirror and The Irish Star, indicates a segment of the public viewed Diggs' actions as disrespectful, leading to strong criticism.

  • Puth's Performance: The Daily Mail highlights divided public opinion regarding Charlie Puth's anthem performance, with claims of lip-syncing.

Findings and Implications

During Super Bowl LX, New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs was observed turning his back during the U.S. national anthem and facing the stands. This action, a repeat of previous conduct for which he received criticism, generated public discussion and negative reactions on social media. The performer of the anthem, Charlie Puth, also became a subject of online debate regarding his rendition. The specific reasons behind Diggs' actions and the meaning of his post-anthem statements are not definitively established.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Stefon Diggs do during the anthem?
He turned his back to the field while the U.S. national anthem was played. He then faced the stands.
Q: Why did he do this?
The story does not say for sure why he did it. People online have different ideas.
Q: Has he done this before?
Yes, reports say he did something similar earlier in the playoffs and people were not happy.
Q: Who sang the anthem?
Charlie Puth sang the national anthem at Super Bowl LX.