WASHINGTON \u2014 AMVETS officials are decrying \u201ccorporate censorship\u201d from the National Football League for their decision not to run an ad in their Super Bowl program which responds to league players\u2019 decision to kneel for the national anthem in protest of national equality issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ad, which would have cost the veterans organization $30,000, features the tag \u201c#PleaseStand\u201d with a picture of service members saluting the American flag and information on how to donate to the congressionally-chartered organization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Group leaders said NFL officials refused to include the ad in their Super Bowl publication, but did not issue a reason why. In a statement, AMVETS National Commander Marion Polk said the issue is one of fairness and respect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFreedom of speech works both ways,\u201d he said. \u201cWe respect the rights of those who choose to protest, as these rights are precisely what our members have fought \u2014 and in many cases died \u2014 for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a statement, NFL Vice President of Communications Brian McCarthy said the Super Bowl game program \u201cis designed for fans to commemorate and celebrate the game, players, teams and the Super Bowl. It\u2019s never been a place for advertising that could be considered by some as a political statement.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They noted that the program will include a similar ad from the Veterans of Foreign Wars that states simply \u201cWe Stand for Veterans.\u201d McCarthy said AMVETS was asked to consider changing their ad to read \u201cPlease Stand for Our Veterans\u201d but did not reply in time for production deadlines. <\/p>\n\n\n\t