So, I don't particularly like making politically-fueled threads, I feel like they degrade conversation around here, and are of no use, as most people online will never coincide with an opposing world view, but I found this interesting, and I wanted to break into the echo-chamber this forum is becoming. [url=http://mweb.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25181085/nfl-teams-received-54-million-from-defense-department-in-last-4-years]Source[/url]. [quote]According to a report from Christopher Baxter and Jonathan Salant of NJ.com, the Department of Defense has paid 14 different NFL teams a total of $5.4 million over the last four years in exchange for patriotic displays at games.[/quote] [quote]The National Guard responded by asserting that it was a useful recruitment tool. "Promoting and increasing the public's understanding and appreciation of military service in the New Jersey Army National Guard increases the propensity for service in our ranks and garners public support for our Hometown Team," Guard spokesman Patrick Daugherty said.[/quote] According to Steve Smith, before this started happening in 2009, players would still be in the locker rooms when the national anthem was playing. They were only brought out to broadcast an image of military support, as paid for by the military. Now, amidst all these claims that the players sitting during the national anthem is disrespectful, maybe we should think about how genuine them standing is in the first place.