The NFL kicked off its season with controversy over how the American flag was used as part of pregame ceremonies.
During the playing of the national anthem before the game between the Buffalo Bills and the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, a mammoth flag replica was unveiled on the field.
While that is a common sight before games, it is a violation of the U.S. flag code, which reads, “The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.”
More disturbing to some viewers, there was also a major change this time: Instead of the flag’s usual rectangular shape, this version had been cut to resemble the outline of the continental United States.
Many on social media expressed disappointment over the NFL’s treatment of the flag.
One fan said part of the lower 48 appeared to be lopped off.
Before the game, the death of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II was marked with a moment of silence, according to NFL.com.
Once again, the league also embraced social justice messaging.
“During Thursday’s Kickoff game, players from both the Buffalo Bills and the Los Angeles Rams will wear helmets featuring ‘Choose Love’ as part of the league’s social justice helmet decal messaging this season, which will also include other phrases such as ‘End Racism,’ ‘Stop Hate’ and ‘Inspire Change’ among others,” the league said in a news release Wednesday.
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According to USA Today, allRams chose to wear the “Choose Love” decal, while Bills players had assorted decals.
The NFL said the “Choose Love” message was added this year in response to “an uptick in hate crimes and gun violence around the country.”
On the field, Buffalo defeated the Super Bowl champion Rams 31-10.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.