WASHINGTON -- Atlanta is ground zero for taxpayer-funded military tributes, according to a new U.S. Senate report out today showing that the Falcons, Braves and Hawks took in the most money in their respective leagues to put on displays honoring soldiers.
The Georgia National Guard said tonight that it no longer will pay for such things.
The report from Arizona Republican Sens. John McCain and Jeff Flake blasts the feel-good events as "paid patriotism," a misuse of legitimate recruiting funds for the Department of Defense. It's a more detailed version of what was first reported about NFL teams by NJ.com earlier this year. And it shows that from 2012-2015, all of Atlanta's pro sports franchises took in the biggest contracts that included some kind of recognition for troops.
The NFL's Atlanta Falcons brought in $879,000 from the Georgia Army National Guard for events including a color guard detail and a "military appreciation day" at training camp with giveaway hats and rally towels.
The Atlanta Braves led Major League Baseball with $450,000 from the Georgia Army National Guard in that span, including "military appreciation game" sponsorships and video board recognition for soldiers.
Basketball's Atlanta Hawks took in $225,000 from the Georgia Army National Guard and another $5,000 from the U.S. Air Force, once again leading the league.
Not having a National Hockey League or Major League Soccer franchise -- yet -- kept Atlanta from topping those leagues. In all, according to Flake and McCain, $6.8 million worth of recent DOD contracts had "some form of paid patriotism."
The military's sports marketing has long been a controversial topic, with military leaders saying it's an important part of their recruiting efforts and Congress should not unnecessarily tie their hands.
Update: 6:20 p.m. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sent a letter to McCain and Flake saying that he, too, is concerned about the commingling of funds for recruitment activities and simple recognition of the troops. He said the league is auditing all DOD contracts and will pay back money improperly allocated for such events. Wrote Goodell:
"We strongly oppose the use of recruitment funds for anything other than their proper purpose. As you know, on July 2, 2015, the NFL issued guidance to each of its 32 clubs to make clear that any on-field recognition, community events, or other activities that are not specifically in the form of recruitment or advertising should never be included in contracts or otherwise performed for payment."
Update: 9:50 p.m. Thomas J. Lesnieski of the Georgia National Guard said it has put in place a new policy to no longer pay for events honoring troops:
"The Director of the Army National Guard has recently implemented interim guidance to ensure no sports marketing programs include requirements for patriotism/salutes and a long-term policy is being developed at the national level. As such, there are no 'paid patriotism' events in our current contracts with any sports team."
About the Author
