Watch CBS News

Customers Outraged After Buffalo Wild Wings Employee Silences National Anthem

EASTVALE (CBSLA) — The National Anthem is the focus of controversy again, this time at a bar in Riverside County.

Customers at a Buffalo Wild Wings in Eastvale say an employee refused to let them hear the anthem before an NFL game Monday night – which happened to be the 16th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

A customer who identified herself as Lori said the employee refused to play the sound of the anthem for one game, but played it for the game before.

When he was asked why, the employee -- who was not identified – said the anthem is too controversial, and it was company policy not to play it.

"No one understood what was so controversial. It's 9/11, it's a sporting event, why is it controversial?" she said.

Lori took the employee's picture and posted it on social media, where it spread quickly. She said a manager on Monday apologized immediately for that employee's behavior.

The franchise owner also apologized in a statement and said the company has no policy regarding the matter.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.