NFL teams charging US for patriotic displays

[Tony2046]

NFL HQ needs to check themselves as well. 1/2 a million on this contract alone.

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[Nikolai]

And what is the ultimate outcome? Are NFL teams now going to be required to provide unlimited services to the military? What about firefighters, police, teachers etc.?

Nope, my guess is they're going to be prohibited from taking money for something the DoD thought was worth paying for...while other entities will still be allowed to pay for it. Meaning the DoD will lose visibility in the single most important outlet for reaching the young male audience.

Yeah, this is my take on it. It's advertisement. The social (and otherwise) support for servicemembers is part of the gig when you have an all volunteer military. We wouldn't be able to do it without support and sometimes it's the rah-rah stuff that gets people worked up to join, and maybe that's a shallow reason to join, but I can guarantee that even if you join for that, you'll learn something about yourself during the process. Maybe even a lot.

Some people may not appreciate that it's an "artificial" display of support, but sometimes it's hard for me to tell what's authentic and what's "obligatory" or "forced". I made the choice not to differentiate and just accept and be grateful for support, whatever the stripe.

I don't have a problem with the teams accepting money from the DoD for enlistment ads. What I have a problem with is those ads being disguised as "truly" patriotic events. BTW, I hate those "surprise" homecoming events - pure emotional manipulation.

Yeah, I'm not sure I'd want my personal moments like that on a public stage; at least not on that scale.

Again, what's truly patriotic versus what's not is hard to tell on the surface, and I don't think the exchange of money is the determining factor. I honestly don't know what to tell someone who wants to show support for vets what to do. I WOULD say, though, don't blow your money on Wounded Warrior; that's a start.

 

[Nikolai]

Yeah pretty ****ty. Teams don't really care about the troops much. I got free tickets for the Celts veterans day game and you don't get as good of seats if you don't wear your uniform if you have safety concerns (bruins is same deal). It's all PR sadly...whatever though.

Why would someone just wear their uniform to a game? Not getting that...

Which branch? Army here.

 

[Froob]

Why would someone just wear their uniform to a game? Not getting that...

Which branch? Army here.

I don't know, the teams encourage you to when they give you the military appreciation tickets. I'm Air National Guard. I wouldn't have had a problem with it before ISIS but, now not the best idea.

 

[Nikolai]

I don't know, the teams encourage you to when they give you the military appreciation tickets. I'm Air National Guard. I wouldn't have had a problem with it before ISIS but, now not the best idea.

ANG? Good deal. I assume in Massachusetts.

Yeah, I can see the security side of it. My unit has relaxed grooming standards and we wear civvies stateside (and deployed) for that reason.

 

[Froob]

ANG? Good deal. I assume in Massachusetts.

Yeah, I can see the security side of it. My unit has relaxed grooming standards and we wear civvies stateside (and deployed) for that reason.

Nah Maine. I wish I was Mass though at least they pay for school lol. That's sweet, do you guys not have to have a clean shave you mean or are you talking haircuts?

 

[Nikolai]

Nah Maine. I wish I was Mass though at least they pay for school lol. That's sweet, do you guys not have to have a clean shave you mean or are you talking haircuts?

Maine's not a bad place to be though, but yes, I hear NG units differ greatly from state to state. I don't think I've ever met anyone from the Maine Guard, though, so I don't know much about it.

I've got a full beard rockin now. Haircuts...there are no real regs, but a lot of guys keep it neat, so if we can't hide before the CODELs and such, at least we look somewhat presentable lol.

 

[Froob]

Maine's not a bad place to be though, but yes, I hear NG units differ greatly from state to state. I don't think I've ever met anyone from the Maine Guard, though, so I don't know much about it.

I've got a full beard rockin now. Haircuts...there are no real regs, but a lot of guys keep it neat, so if we can't hide before the CODELs and such, at least we look somewhat presentable lol.

Hah that's sweet. Always depressing shaving my beard. Only shave twice a month for drill lol.

 

[Tony2046]

IIRC the Jets were the biggest taker in this one.

Looks like the Falcons.

I do not see the Patriots on this report though. US Defense Department paid 14 NFL teams $5.4M to honor soldiers - CBSSports.com

BTW: PR wise this doesn't look great but the military needs to advertise to keep up recruitment especially in times of conflict. I don't think all the money is to allow someone to simply run on the field rather it was for tickets, hotels food etc...

Some Vets get to go to the game, get some deserved recognition and the military gets some advertising out of it. Not a bad deal.

 

[Tony2046]

My understanding was the money was paid for "on-field color guard ceremonies, performances of the national anthem, and ceremonial first pitches and puck drops." That just seems to be showing the colors, and a more personal form of advertising than television campaigns.

The military has been spending on recruiting ads forever, so I guess I didn't find this story all that offensive.

The fact they stage reunions for dramatic effect turns my stomach a bit.

Cheesy to say the least.

 

[Palm Beach Pats Fan]

I really hate the word gate.

There was an attempt to ban it, but it was very controversial.

gate-gate

 

[raduray]

Again, what's truly patriotic versus what's not is hard to tell on the surface, and I don't think the exchange of money is the determining factor. I honestly don't know what to tell someone who wants to show support for vets what to do. I WOULD say, though, don't blow your money on Wounded Warrior; that's a start.

What's galling to me is that we need charities for our veterans in the first place. The same government that preaches patriotism and holds our military as the standard then fails to provide for them after they've been injured in harm's way.

 

[Tuck]

NFL HQ needs to check themselves as well. 1/2 a million on this contract alone.

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Guys, Just relax. If there's one thing I know, the league's thorough and "independent" investigation will get to the bottom of this.

 

[IcyPatriot]

This topic have an echo?

 

[Kontradiction]

This topic have an echo?

I farted into it about 10 minutes ago and the topic sounded pretty hollow so I'd guess yes.

 

[Geezer Butler]

Sports have been the propaganda arm for the military forever.

How is this surprising? What planet is this?!

 

[primetime]

What's galling to me is that we need charities for our veterans in the first place. The same government that preaches patriotism and holds our military as the standard then fails to provide for them after they've been injured in harm's way.

The rise and fall of military welfare – Jennifer Mittelstadt – Aeon

You may appreciate this article.

 

[raduray]

The rise and fall of military welfare – Jennifer Mittelstadt – Aeon

You may appreciate this article.

Interesting read. Thank you!

 

[Soul_Survivor88]

 

[n1997y]

The Pentagon should have had their priorities straight. As a taxpayer I do hope they are repaid and the government officials are reprimanded.

The Pentagon paid lucrative sports franchises millions to honor troops

Pentagon had priorities straight. They wanted veterans honored. Teams have their priorities straight, they need to maximize revenue.

Look at it a bit differently. Suppose the Pentagon approached teams and asked them to honor the troops, and insisted that the government would not pay the going rate that broadcasters and advertisers pay. Government is bullying private enterprise. There are laws against government confiscation without compensation.

Welcome to the free enterprise system.