Helpline crashes after NFL fans express whether or not they want Budweiser to sponsor the NFL

** FILE ** A huge Bud Light banner is attached the side of the Edwards Jones Dome, home field for the St. Louis Rams of the NFL Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2006. With beer sales going nowhere and the future uncertain, the nation's biggest brewer is rethinking its marketing strategy by catering to ethnic groups and health-conscious consumers. But Anheuser-Busch won't change one thing, the company is spending tens of millions this month on sports advertising. (AP Photo/James A. Finley, File)

Update: 1:21 p.m. A statement was provided to Rare on behalf of Matt Kohan, Senior Director of Marketing Communications for Anheuser-Busch:

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At Anheuser-Busch we have a long heritage of supporting the institutions and values that have made America so strong. That includes our armed forces and the national anthem as well as diversity, equality and freedom of speech. We proudly employ over 1,100 military veterans and we work every day to create an inclusive environment for all of our employees. Because only together can we achieve our dream of bringing people together for a better world.
The Anheuser-Busch phone line has always been available for consumer inquiries on a variety of topics, but we are not conducting a survey regarding our NFL sponsorship.

We have many long-term sports partnerships, including our NFL sponsorship, and while we may not agree on everything, we still believe in the power of sport to bring people together and overcome their differences. We have no plans to end our NFL sponsorship.

Our original story continues:

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Anheuser Busch received so much feedback from one Facebook post that its consumer helpline went down temporarily.

A post appeared on a Facebook page called RockIt News encouraging NFL fans to tell Anheuser Busch whether or not they believed the company should continue to sponsor the NFL. Anheuser Busch recently added an option for consumers to inquire about their NFL sponsorship following nation-wide national anthem protests last week.

The company also shared the following statement:

These are complex issues that require in-depth discussions and nuanced debate. What I can say is that at Anheuser-Busch we have a long heritage of supporting the institutions and values that have made America so strong. That includes our armed forces and the national anthem as well as diversity, equality and freedom of speech. We proudly employ over 1,100 military veterans and we work every day to create an inclusive environment for all of our employees. Because only together can we achieve our dream of bringing people together for a better world.

Anyone with a strongly held opinion is welcome to call 1-800-DIAL BUD (342-5283), press option 1, and leave their thoughts.

RELATED: One company is allegedly offering some refunds to viewers upset by the NFL anthem protests

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