Evidence of the Washington Redskins' front office shakeup was apparent at the game on Sunday, in several obvious ways.
First, the Redskins canceled the military flyover that had happened at every home game this season and scrubbed any reference of them from the game day program (
H/T Jake Russell):
Another subtle sign of change. Looks like the weekly pregame flyovers are a thing of the past. #Redskins pic.twitter.com/Gf6crkhGqp
— Jake Russell (@_JakeRussell)
December 30, 2018 It's unclear why flyovers are no longer part of the pregame script.
The Redskins have sporadically used flyovers during the National Anthem in the past during big games, the annual military appreciation game, and other applicable times. In September, 106.7 The Fan learned that making this a regular part of the National Anthem at FedExField
was a season-long commitment from the team. The idea was originally discussed by Brian Lafemina, but it was unclear who pitched the idea within the organization.
Now, with Lafemina fired this week, we have a pretty good idea.
Part of the rationale around the military flyovers was likely to help alleviate pressure around the National Anthem protests of recent years. If players are protesting the anthem, give fans something else to look at. That turned out to be a nonstory in 2018, which could be another reason that the team ended the practice.
