Nick Piccone
Yesterday, a report was published by Arizona senators John McCain and Jeff Flake that involved various sports teams being paid money by the Department of Defense to honor the military at their games. In Philly, one team was on that list. It was the Phillies. [Philly.com]
The report acknowledged that military branches pay for advertising and other access to help recruiting. But too often, the report said, teams’ seemingly genuine and free display of appreciation was prompted by payment. “Unsuspecting audience members became the subjects of paid-marketing campaigns rather than simply bearing witness to teams’ authentic, voluntary shows of support for the brave men and women who wear our nation’s uniform,” the report said.
Phillies spokeswoman Bonnie Clark said in a statement, “Any suggestion that the Phillies were paid to present on-field military tributes or ceremonies is incorrect. Each year the Phillies provide discounted and complimentary tickets to members of the Armed Forces. As the report indicates, the dollar amounts cited were solely for ticket purchases and concession stand vouchers for two group outings.”
Regardless if you think this is a big deal or not, it is. Being paid to honor the military is about as embarrassing as it gets in this country. Why wouldn’t professional sports teams, who have a shitload of money to spend, pay tribute to the military without being given money?
You can read the entire report here.