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 theĀ U.S. flag code, which reads, āThe flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.ā
More disturbing to some viewers, there was also a major change this time: Instead of the flagās 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 NFLās treatment of the flag.
One fan said part of the lower 48 appeared to be lopped off.
Before the game, the death of Britainās Queen Elizabeth II was marked with a moment of silence, according to NFL.com.
Once again, the league also embraced social justice messaging.
āDuring Thursdayās Kickoff game, players from both the Buffalo Bills and the Los Angeles Rams will wear helmets featuring āChoose Loveā as part of the leagueās social justice helmet decal messaging this season, which will also include other phrases such as āEnd Racism,ā āStop Hateā and āInspire Changeā among others,ā the league said in a news release Wednesday.
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According to USA Today, allRams chose to wear the āChoose Loveā decal, while Bills players had assorted decals.
The NFL said the āChoose Loveā message was added this year in response to āan uptick in hate crimes and gun violence around the country.ā
On the field, Buffalo defeated the Super Bowl champion Rams 31-10.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.