[Elvis]

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/new ... ith-price/

Shame that pro teams’ patriotism came with price

Kevin Acee

It just feels dirty.

In reality, it’s just business.

The NFL didn’t force the Department of Defense to pay its teams millions. In no way does the revelation that the U.S. government essentially paid professional sports teams for acts of patriotism diminish the commitment or sacrifice of our military. The Pentagon was simply taking advantage of the NFL’s popularity in an effort to enhance the military’s image and bolster its ranks.

But … damn. Especially in this town so dependent on and proud of its Navy and Marine heritage. Just … why?

It’s a letdown. We thought these moments were purely patriotic — or, at least, we felt enough pride and gratitude that we set aside the suspicion that teams were parlaying patriotism into good publicity. Turns out, it was also payola. It wasn’t merely out of a sense of honor that teams were giving military members a portion of their grand stage. At least not always.

Arizona senators John McCain and Jeff Flake conducted an investigation into what they called “paid patriotism” that they said resulted in professional sports teams receiving approximately $6.8 million over the last four years. Among the instances the report cited were flag unfurlings, recognition of “hometown heroes,” color guard ceremonies and national anthem renditions.

“What is upsetting is when you see activities like this that people assume when they go to games are paid for out of the goodness of the heart by the owners and the teams, and then to find out the taxpayers are paying for it. It kind of cheapens (it) and it’s simply not right," Flake said at a news conference on Wednesday.

In its introduction, the report states, “Americans deserve the ability to assume that tributes for our men and women in military uniform are genuine displays of national pride, which many are, rather than taxpayer-funded DOD marketing gimmicks.”

That’s about exactly right.

Among the more than $6 million paid to 18 NFL teams, according to the report, the Chargers received $435,500. That was sixth-most among NFL teams and seventh-most among all pro sports teams. The Padres, who are highly interactive with local military, were not cited in the report. The team said in a statement that it has “never been paid by the military in exchange for in-ballpark experiences or recognition.”

The report cited a contract for 2013 in which the California Army National Guard paid the Chargers $353,500 for a large American flag presentation at five home games and up to 150 tickets for “flag presentation participants,” as well as a national anthem color guard presentation.

Shame on those of us covering and attending the games who assumed these military members were guests of the Chargers. That certainly is the impression given. Or maybe not. Maybe that was just the stars and stripes in our eyes that made us assume teams would simply be honoring service members.

The report noted that an option for 2015 in the Chargers’ contract with the National Guard was not exercised. The Chargers declined comment.

A Department of Defense memo included in the 146-page report justified the expenditures in part due to a “challenging” recruiting environment and the large youthful audience inherent to the NFL. Some of the on-field events were, in fact, part of larger advertising campaigns that included, among other things, program advertisements and/or stadium signage.

The report also listed several instances of generosity by the NFL toward the military, including involvement with Wounded Warrior Project, the opportunity for troops stationed abroad to watch games on the Internet for free, its Salute to Service campaign that has raised more than $4 million and a longstanding relationship with the USO.

In a July memo to all teams, the NFL wrote, “It is crucial that community relations activities not be confused with advertising activities with the military, since the resulting public perception could damage both the military and NFL brand.”

Truth is, these revelations should be at least as troubling to the taxpaying portion of our being. The senators’ report said there was no quantifiable return on the military’s monetary investment.

The memo was in response to inquiries by McCain and Flake. And in a letter to the two senators dated Nov. 2, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell wrote, “If we find that inappropriate payments were made, they will be refunded in full.”

The Chargers, certainly, have given much to the military. Attend one of their annual training camp practices on a local base, and it is easy to see how much it means to service members and their families.

They have every right to sell advertising to branches of the military. It just needs to be limited to advertising, not getting paid to “honor” the men and women serving our country.

[Rams the Legends live on]

Oh wow. I have to admit I was always of the belief it was a organic activity, reckon I was wrong. Have to admit I do feel a let down.

[Hacksaw]

Stay proud Legends! Most of us see things how we think they are, and often that can be south of center, or not, but that takes nothing away from what you did and endured with your service.
You rock bro!! AAAUUGH !!

[Rams the Legends live on]

Thanks my brother. Yea ya for sure speak the truth things are rarely how we view them at times. I reckon I just thought for once something was more sacred than money and I should have none better admittedly. So thanks bro hooyah.