DOD Under Fire For 'Paid Patriotism' At Sporting Events

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--The Department of Defense, the NFL and other major sports leagues under fire tonight after lawmakers reveal the Pentagon was paying the sports leagues for on field events honoring the troops.

WJZ's Derek Valcourt has more on the controversy around this so called paid patriotism.

From an army reservist singing the National Anthem, to National Guard members unfurling the flag at a game, this report finds $6.8 million in marketing contracts with sports teams where some taxpayer money goes toward paying for on field public displays of patriotism.

"Fans assume when they see these tributes that its being done because of patriotism.  To find out tax payers are paying for some of these, it just kind of cheapens the whole thing," said Sen. Jeff Flake.

The Pentagon has already agreed to end the practice of paying for on field tributes.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says for it's part the league has now drafted guidelines against this kind of behavior. They're investigating past contract and say they'll return any inappropriate payments they find.

The report finds the Baltimore Ravens got more than $534,000 from a Maryland National Guard advertising contract and it specifically cites money spent on promotional towels and hats and two private pregame hospitality tents as examples of paid patriotism.

The Ravens say they "have never taken any money for the purpose of honoring our troops or wounded veterans"

The National Guard also says no money was exchanged for tributes and points out they canceled their advertising contract with the NFL in 2013.

"When you're paying for the right for an honor guard to present the colors on the field or a military member to sing the National Anthem, that's inappropriate," said Rep. Andy Harris.

Maryland Congressman Andy Harris tells WJZ he wants NFL teams to donate paid patriotism money to veterans groups.

The NFL isn't the only league targeted in this report. It finds examples of paid patriotism in Major League Baseball, the NBA, the NHL, and the National Soccer League.

Several senators say they're pushing legislation to ban paid patriotism.