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NFL Deals With Allegations Of “Paid Patriotism”

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Move over ‘deflate gate’, the NFL is having to deal with a new scandal involving what some have termed “paid patriotism.”

Arizona’s two senators, John McCain and Jeff Flake, say the Pentagon is using tax payer money to pay pro-sports teams to stage events to honor the troops.

According to Flake and McCain, the defense department has 122 marketing deals with pro sports teams worth $10.4 million. Of those, the senators say 72 had items they called “paid patriotism.” For example, the Milwaukee Brewers were given $7,500 for award presentations on the field for National Guard members and ceremonial first pitches at three home games.