The Pentagon has paid sports teams millions to publicly honor soldiers

Ever been to a sporting event with an on-field flag rollout, a wounded warriors tribute, or a surprise homecoming? Then you might have been a witness to "paid patriotism." According to a report issued by Republican Arizona Sens. John McCain and Jeff Flake, the military has spent $6.8 million on sports marketing since 2011.

"We're all enthusiastic to receive our men and women who are serving in uniform honored at various sporting events. We are very grateful for that. Unfortunately, thanks to an in-depth investigation, a lot of that patriotism was paid for," McCain said, according to the Chicago Tribune. The report itself was even tougher, calling such practices "inappropriate and frivolous."

Other examples of paid promotion include the LA Galaxy soccer team recognizing high-ranking officers in 2012, the Seattle Seahawks allowing 10 soldiers to reenlist on field before a game in 2014, and the Wisconsin Army National Guard sponsoring "God Bless America" at Sunday Milwaukee Brewers games for $49,000. Overall, the Pentagon has signed 72 contracts with the National Football League, Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League, and Major League Soccer; while the NFL received the biggest chunk of the funds, at $6 million, it has since called for an end to the practice.

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"Fans should have confidence that their hometown heroes are being honored because of their honorable military service, not as a marketing ploy," McCain said.