Paying NFL Teams to Salute the Troops: Is it Legal?
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On April 30, to coincide with the first day of the NFL draft, Arizon Senator Jeff Flake’s office put out a press release shaming the Jets for “federally funded feel-good moments” that “fans may have assumed were genuine gestures to thank and recognize soldiers.”
He cited the “statement of work” for a 2012 marketing contract between the New York Jets and the New Jersey Army National Guard, listing what the Jets will deliver in return for about $100,000: along with online banner ads and spots on the stadium video board, a “Hometown Hero” tribute to a pair of soldiers during each home game. “Their picture will be displayed on the video board,” the document says, “their name will be announced over the loud speaker, and they will be allowed to watch the game, along with 3 friends or family members.”
On May 7, Mr. Flake’s senior Senate colleague from Arizona, John McCain, released an “America’s Most Wasted” report targeting a “$225,000 deal between the New England Patriots and the Massachusetts and New Hampshire Guard” that includes “the ‘True Patriot’ program, in which the team recognized members of the Guard during half-time at home games.”
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