The New York Jets and other NFL teams have reportedly accepted $5.4 million from the Department of Defense to stage game-day ceremonies honoring soldiers that are little more than publicity stunts.
The Jets accepted payments totaling $377,000 from 2011 to 2014 for the phony salutes, and millions more were shelled out to 11 other NFL franchises, according to New Jersey’s Star-Ledger.
“Those of us go to sporting events and see them honoring the heroes,” U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) told the paper. “You get a good feeling in your heart. Then to find out they’re doing it because they’re compensated for it — it leaves you underwhelmed.