Monday Night Football breaks tradition and airs National Anthem

Fresno, Calif. (KFSN) -- After a weekend of NFL protests, Monday night football kicked off with likely the most anticipated moment of the game.

Breaking tradition, the National Anthem aired during the broadcast.

Before the anthem, the Cowboys, including owner Jerry Jones took a knee, while the Cardinals stood and locked arms with each other. Both teams causing an uproar from some of the fans in the crowd. The Cowboys then stood with arms locked during the National Anthem.

But Jo Garcia says the players have every right to respond this way.

"The NFL players are actually standing up for what it means-- freedom for all," said Garcia.

However, in an exclusive Action News poll, conducted by Survey USA, nearly 50 percent of our viewers in the Valley say it is wrong for someone to not stand when the National Anthem is played.

When questioned about NFL players taking a knee during Sunday night's game, 47 percent did not support it.

Valley native and Raiders Quarterback Derek Carr says there is no easy way to talk about the statements being made on the field.

"The only way to solve any of this is love and to show unity and to show togetherness," said Carr.

Something that was shown Monday night, and it was clear it was not an easy decision for some, as they protested during the National Anthem.