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Is patriotism free? Maybe not if you're an NFL team.
According to several media reports, US taxpayers are funding a very expensive program that honors U.S. military members at professional sporting events.
According to documents compiled by NJ.com, the Defense Department has paid 14 NFL teams $5.4 million over four seasons for in-game salutes and promotional advertising.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Atlanta Falcons benefitted the most, receiving more than $1 million to honor personnel.
The Falcons have been reached for comment, but have not yet responded.
U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Arizona) seems to have uncovered the trail of public cash flowing to the NFL to promote military service.
Flake pointed out the New Jersey National Guard paid the New York Jets about $100,000 for one “federally funded feel-good moment.”
In total, the Jets were paid about $377,000, NJ.com reports.
What did the money buy? According to Flake:
- A videoboard feature — 'Hometown Hero' — for every home game, including game tickets for the service members.
- 10 soldiers were allowed to attend the Jets' 'Annual Kickoff Lunch' in New York City … to meet and take pictures with various members of the Jets organization for promotional use for recruiting purposes.
- National Guard members participated in the Jets' 'Hometown Huddle charity event to refurbish a community asset for promotional use for recruiting and retention purposes.
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