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What do you think of the Department of Defense giving millions to some NFL teams for game-day military tributes?

 

 

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When you have to buy recognition it's a false honor! True appreciation is not paid for, true appreciation should be given freely from the heart. Shame on the NFL and shame on the DOD, to have to be paid to recognize those who have made it possible for the NFL's existence is an utter disgrace! How many professional sport franchise's exist in the world? The NFL is lucky to be in a country where they can exist and make billions, yet all they care for is more! Greed is killing this country.

Submitted by Bob Ford (not verified) : May 14, 2015 12:30pm

Amen brother. You done hit the nail on the head for sure! ! ! !

Submitted by T Kirschbaum (not verified) : May 14, 2015 2:51pm

To add to your well written comment. The NFL has been tax exempt for several years living out of both pockets of the tax payer. They live in "high cotton" and eat "high on the hog" at the same time.

Submitted by Dale A. Cole Sr (not verified) : May 14, 2015 3:42pm

Well said. My feeling exactly

Submitted by Frank Brocato (not verified) : May 14, 2015 3:50pm

You hit the nail on the head! False honor is more than meaningless, it is an insult.

Submitted by S.AZ.Vet (not verified) : May 14, 2015 4:44pm

I agree, Bob Ford....it's like paying for your own birthday party...If the NFL wants to honor Veterans to make the league look good to us, then they should certainly foot the bill!

Submitted by Don Matthews (not verified) : May 14, 2015 5:17pm

An honor is voluntary and should not be sought.The greatest honor would be fulfilling the needs of veterans with physical.mental and financial problems.

Submitted by Joseph B. Cocke (not verified) : May 14, 2015 5:27pm

Why not just give it to the Vet's organizations and spread it around where it can do WAY MORE good things for them.

Submitted by Ron Hawtree US... (not verified) : May 14, 2015 5:58pm

According to a Chicago Sun-Times sportswriter the NFL is the most successful league in sports history. Yet, it fights in court to deny medical care for injured players. Sound familiar? VA
does the same.

I love those 3 second flyovers, and the huge flags waved by US Military folks, but always thought NFL paid for that. DOD might think it is good advertising money well spent, but it helps not one single troop.

NFL, pay for your own tributes!

Submitted by USAF Steve (not verified) : May 14, 2015 6:34pm

As a Veteran I agree with most of the posters here. The DOD should re-think it's priorities and not get caught up in the over-hyped, greedy NFL. The NFL is a mess at the moment and needs a kick in the butt. Not taxpayer money to show false, commercially motivated sentiment.

Submitted by Rickhal53 (not verified) : May 14, 2015 8:49pm

Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know. These are millionaire celebrities who take their pampered life for granted as most do. They have been elevated to hero status for playing a game. What a country! Thanks to all those who have served and sacrificed.

Submitted by Larry Dinkins (not verified) : May 16, 2015 4:28pm

DITTO, Bob!!

Submitted by George Davis (not verified) : May 17, 2015 4:41pm

Ditto, I could not have said it better.

Submitted by Archie Daniel (not verified) : May 14, 2015 2:54pm

Doesn't bother me at all. Congress doesn't blink when they spend huge money on TV ads, how is this any different???

Submitted by Ross Primrose (not verified) : May 14, 2015 2:56pm

Are you a veteran? Do you know what honor is Mr.Primrose?? Mr.Ford said it perfectly. It's an insult to our military. Our own DOD is insulting our Military. The NFL should want to do it for nothing. The NFL is insulting not only the military, but one of their own, who quit the NFL to go join the military after 9/11. He gave his life for his country: Pat Tillman of the Arizona Cardinals. Did you know that Roger Goodell is paid $40 million a year? The NFL has big problems. Congress has big problems.

Submitted by R. McCrea (not verified) : May 15, 2015 8:26am

I agree with Bob Ford. Whomever authorized the money should be ashamed. If professional sports with all their money can not support the military they don't deserve to be in this country.

Submitted by F Hoffman Ret E... (not verified) : May 14, 2015 3:00pm

I agree with F Hoffman. These losers don't deserve to be here.

Submitted by Bob-USAF (not verified) : May 21, 2015 9:12am

It even bothers me when the PGA Tour uses the military to tend the Green`s flag. I don`t think anyone`s getting paid off, but wouldn`t doubt it. Maybe it`s me, but these people tending flags look like servants, and I don`t like it.

Submitted by Bob Haviland (not verified) : May 14, 2015 3:00pm

Better to give the services a raise in pay and let the billionaires of the NFL pay toward the ceremonies. Even the Chargers provide the Sunday gratis seats for the local military. Better pay could equal better quality of personnel and better retention of active men and women.

Submitted by David Ballard (not verified) : May 14, 2015 3:01pm

I agree with the first comment. Greed is what's taking our country down!
Mercy!

Submitted by Preston Pessimist (not verified) : May 14, 2015 3:01pm

Just like about every institution in this country,
the NFL has lost sight of what America is all about.
It's not money, but honor, freedom, commitment and
sacrifices made by all Veterans. Never in my life would I
have expected such debased actions by the NFL. Considering
all the scandals that beset NFL football, and other professional sports, maybe it's just indicative of erosion
of American character, ideals, and values. In that case,
it's to be expected. Too bad.

Submitted by B Wienke (not verified) : May 14, 2015 3:02pm

Who needs the NFL............. They need us more than we need them so lets just nuke um!

Submitted by Reb 1 (not verified) : May 14, 2015 3:07pm

The NFL should be ashamed, and whoever in the DOD thought this was a good idea should be fired.

If you want to buy an advertisement, buy an ad. Don't pretend it's a tribute. That dishonors everyone involved.

Submitted by Hoot Gibson : May 14, 2015 3:27pm

I concur with Hoot and with many others sounding off so far. The NFL did not pay tribute to those who served and are still serving...DOD payed the tribute and they have not been credited with such. Leadership must start at the top, and we do not have good leadership currently at the top.

Submitted by G. Adams (not verified) : May 14, 2015 3:39pm

Well said!!

Submitted by R. McCrea (not verified) : May 15, 2015 8:30am

It is almost as bad as giving Israel 10 million dollars a day.

Submitted by Patriots betrayed (not verified) : May 14, 2015 3:33pm

Israel in 2014 received $3.3 billion which is used almost totally for purchasing US made arms and join development of protection devices i.e. Iron Dome, useful to the United States and Israel. If you go to wikipedia you will see a total list of all the countries that received aidRNSYP. I believe you will be surprised as to the countries receiving funds:
Russia 71.5 million; China 194 million; Afghanistan 6,725 billion; Bangladesh 2,152 billion; Cuba 87.8 million; Dem Rep Congo 2,859 billion; Cote d'Ivoire 2,635 billion; Egypt 1,806 billion; Ethiopia 3,261 billion; India 1,667; Iran 148.8 million; Israel 3,300 million; Kenya 2,654; Mexico 417.8 million; Nigeria 1,915.8 billion; North Korea 98.1 million; Pakistan 2,019 billion; Palestine 2,001 billion; Tanzania 2,831.8 billion; Turkey 3,033 billion; Vietnam 4,115.7 billion.

Although Israel's received 3.3 billion, please note Palestine received 2,001 billion. I've read somewhere that our total expenditures of foreign aid is less than 9% of the US government's total budget.

Submitted by jrummel (not verified) : May 14, 2015 6:28pm

Correction to my prior comments (typing error).

India 1,667 billion; Israel 3,300 billion; Kenya 2,654 billion;

sorry about the typing errors.

Submitted by jrummel (not verified) : May 14, 2015 6:35pm

The money could be better used by local support groups than to the nfl billionaires!

Submitted by Mark Hella (not verified) : May 14, 2015 3:43pm

From Viet Nam to 9-11, from Johnnie U to Tommy B, each are upside down and shameful! NFL politics and dollars for honoring Veterans and the Fallen, the NFL has lost it big time! Being a VN Vet, though painful, I prefer to honestly know where I stand within the citizenry rather than having respect via the almighty dollar. That said, know this,I love my Veteran Sisters and Brothers, then and now! This is from the heart, not the pocketbook nor any NFL hype.

Submitted by Bob B (not verified) : May 14, 2015 3:48pm

The NFL should be paying the DOD for the privilege of having the military attend their GAMES. And remember, they are only games. And of course Roger Goodell, the commissioner should probably stop all this. Just another bunch of ungrateful civilian idiots taking the military for granted. Next war, they can go.

Submitted by Chris V (not verified) : May 14, 2015 4:14pm

Yes, Chris V!!! Totally agree. The NFL should pay for the privilege. Our Military is PRICELESS!!!

Submitted by R. McCrea (not verified) : May 15, 2015 8:34am

Hopefully the furlough I had to endure as a DoD employee did not help pay for this!

Submitted by Dennis Egbert (not verified) : May 14, 2015 5:10pm

Dennis Egbert, do you refer to the "furlough" in which federal employees did not have to work for nearly 2 weeks yet received full back pay? That "furlough"? And all you care about is the money that you may or may not have lost? That's the equivalent of a 2 week paid vacation. My heart bleeds for you; not.

Submitted by Maurice Mayben,... (not verified) : May 25, 2015 8:15pm

Chris V well said, iam so upset I hope the Legion has balls enough to bring this to the publics eye and put nfl to shame. This really upsets me and I hope others too.

Submitted by Oldtimer1926 (not verified) : May 14, 2015 5:10pm

The NFL are just way over paid players in a game. Our Military/Veterans are the real heroes. I agree Oldtimer1926, I hope the Legion does bring this to the public eye.

Submitted by R. McCrea (not verified) : May 15, 2015 8:39am

The NFL should pay the NG for showing up and giving their over priced stadium and over paid players some real class. Shame on the Government for allowing this to happen!

Submitted by Chuck VW (not verified) : May 14, 2015 5:31pm

Maybe we should all stop attending NFL games. Reckon that would hurt the billionnaires? But I reckon that would never happen, since we Americans are so hooked on sports. Remember Rome?

Submitted by Oldtimer 1933 (not verified) : May 14, 2015 5:47pm

All sports (and other entertainment programs) should be voluntarily and regularly honoring our veterans and active duty personnel. The DoD should be spending that money on the VA.

Submitted by Pete Bauer (not verified) : May 14, 2015 5:57pm

nfl is a cash cow

Submitted by richard neal (not verified) : May 14, 2015 6:21pm

Not too surprised, I'm sure that they can explain how it's a cost-effective way to reach the target demographic, etc., but what I want to see is the teams who were happy to do this FREE, which is a lot of the teams but should've been ALL of them, really be honored by DoD. Our area team, the Tennessee Titans, has always done things to honor the military ever since they moved here and I was very happy to see them not on the list of teams which had to be "paid off" to do so. In recent years I think that DoD honored their now-deceased owner, K. S. "Bud" Adams, as their NFL Owner of the Year -- that may have been in 2012, which was the last season he actually lived all the way through. I like real friends that I don't have to pay to be my friends!

Submitted by Robert Qualls (not verified) : May 14, 2015 7:03pm

It is all part of our "Price System Economy" people are easily influenced by commercials. Make no mistake these are commercials. Our system of Economy is to blame for this terrible deception. They, those in charge of it, have to sell everything even patriotism. To be sure someone is making a lot of money at our, the common citizens, expense. Guess what, the government borrows the money to pay for those adds. So now the interest is added on to our tab. We pay for it and the interest. David Michael Beachwood explains the price system in his blog. I mention this just in case you want to understand how I say such things. His world view is more realistic than the one we are sold by the media.

Submitted by dave48195 (not verified) : May 14, 2015 7:45pm

The DoD should spend this discretional income on veterans benefits. The NFL needs to realize that the tax dollars we spend on defense is to protect them not turn in a profit for them

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) : May 14, 2015 8:22pm

I feel that the DOD providing millions to the NFL is both reprehensible and seemingly illegal.The NFL is a privately run business. How is the DOD(gov't department), affiliated with a league of athletes??!! The constitution states that the republic or people of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, shall not have taxation without representation. When was the last time any of "YOU, THE PEOPLE." received a letter from the National/federal gov't, in the mail, asking for your approval or disapproval of the DOD paying the NFL for would-be charitable services rendered??!! In fact when was the last and of "YOU, THE PEOPLE," received any type of letter asking whether you approve or disapprove tax dollars being spent with regard to any issue??!! I would presume, "NEVER!!" And this is "DEMOCRACY??!!" In lieu of bankrolling the NFL, via DOD, so politicians receive "KICKBACKS," from the businessmen who run the NFL… why don't we demand that such money be used for military personnel
(and/or their families), in need as well as HOMELESS VETERANS or VETERANS in need??!! Wouldn't that make more sense?! However… what does common sense have to do with CONTROLLING a republic??!! "WE THE PEOPLE" are not being represented… "WE THE PEOPLE," are being CONTROLLED.

Submitted by USAF DANIEL (not verified) : May 14, 2015 8:48pm

Use the money to save the Warthog...it works.

Submitted by JAMES WITCHER (not verified) : May 14, 2015 9:25pm

The DOD should be giving that money to Disabled Veterans instead of giving it to some NFL teams. The Disabled Veterans can use that money to to better feed and house themselves. Honoring the Military is a great thing to do, but I don't believe the NFL needs to be paid off to do it.

Submitted by Ansley Wood (not verified) : May 14, 2015 10:15pm

DOD said it is used as a recruiting expense. The greedy ass NFL should do it for free. Wonder how many kick-backs are going on in this scam. The public needs to wake up to the whole football scam. What was once just a popular game has turned into a corrupt money making machine. They could care less about the men in the armed forces but as long as there is money to be made they smile in our faces as they piss on our boots.

Submitted by .F. Chapman (not verified) : May 15, 2015 6:38am

If the return on investment is good for recruiting I'm good with it, but if not cancel it. God knows that our Marxist schools in this country don't support military service. We have to get the word out to our patriotic young people some how.

Submitted by SAR506 (not verified) : May 15, 2015 10:29am

The DOD has no business spending taxpayer money in this manner. And, who gets the credit? The NFL, of course. All DOD budgeted money should be spent for legitimate DOD purposes.

Submitted by Wayne Arnold (not verified) : May 15, 2015 10:34am

The DOD should have demanded a $5 million payment from the NFL to the Veterans account rather than paying for the right to promote the US military. WE have already paid many times over, this scorches me to no end.............

Submitted by RKO (not verified) : May 15, 2015 11:36am

They quit flying over NASCAR races where the military is honored at every race because it too expensive, yet they pay the NFL. Incredible.

Submitted by Jim L (not verified) : May 15, 2015 1:54pm

Do you think any dod employees got perks from nfl? Free passes etc.

Submitted by Oldtimer1926 (not verified) : May 15, 2015 2:25pm

Military has already paid in blood. That, apparently wasn't enough.

Submitted by E. Adams (not verified) : May 15, 2015 4:51pm

I agree with all the commentaries but no body mentioned that somebody get some money back or covering something. People forget we the veterans and active army did the service for GOD and COUNTRY. did minimum DOD is respect our service and take care the veterans better the sorry polotician

Submitted by miguel (not verified) : May 15, 2015 5:06pm

It's rather expensive, But its more for recruiting than for honoring our troupes. If its not for recruiting, they should stop. You cannot buy Honor.

Submitted by Jjim Stone, US... (not verified) : May 16, 2015 12:17pm

What an absurd way to spend money. Recognition? Recruiting? Neither should be necessary for the DOD to spend money. Recruiters have their jobs and the nationalistic right wing provides a plethora of recognition. A waste of money and the NFL is a greedy organization for accepting.

Submitted by Terry Long (not verified) : May 16, 2015 4:57pm

If the NFL is honoring the veterans and military why are they being paid to do it? that is not an honor that is a job (being paid to perform a certain task). I agree with almost all of the comments made I am a Nam vet and no one should have to be paid to honor any of our veterans or Military , without them we would have nothing.

Submitted by Larry Goebel (not verified) : May 17, 2015 9:58am

Oh trust me, part of those millions are kicked back to the politicians who approved this bullshit...

Submitted by Kenneth Giorno (not verified) : May 17, 2015 7:15pm

Shame on the NFL and DoD! This is not honoring our veterans. Real honor comes willingly from the heart, not someone else's purse. And more needs to be done than simply pushing a wheelchair bound veteran out to the 50 yard line for applause. The NFL needs to put its money where its mouth is and stop this phony panoply.

Submitted by Maurice Mayben,... (not verified) : May 25, 2015 8:22pm