GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - The Green Bay Packers says they will no longer use a flag banner that stirred up some controversy on social media.
The banner with three stripes and what appears to be 26 stars was on the field while the University of Wisconsin Marching Band performed before the Packers-Bills game at Lambeau Field.
Some blogs dubbed the banner "weird" and "bizarre." Action 2 News received several messages asking if the Packers issued an explanation, so we reached out to the team.
Packers spokesperson Aaron Popkey says this is not the first time they've used this type of display. However, they won't use it again.
“The banner used during Sunday’s pregame ceremony supplemented the three U.S. flags on the roof of the stadium and the flag carried by the color guard on the field. We've used such displays from time to time in the past when other pregame elements take up a significant portion of the field. To avoid causing confusion, we will not be using such displays in the future," Popkey says.
The issue of professional sports and patriotism continues to divide some fans of the NFL. The Packers have mostly shied away from protests during the National Anthem. Last season, they locked arms during one Thursday night game.
