The Hypocrisy of “Honoring America” in Sports
The NFL’s and Major League Baseball’s “Honor America” tributes do not honor America on July 4 or any other day. Neither do other sports leagues that wrap themselves around the flag. “Honoring America” is a ploy to get people to think that leagues promoting harmful products are as American as apple pie. In reality, the moguls who run the teams and leagues are reminiscent of the robber barons of American history, who valued money over everything, despite knowing their business practices harmed Americans.
Soon, the true celebration all Americans should embrace will take place. And it happens every year. That, of course, is the July 4 celebrations, which take place in big and small towns, and big and small cities across the United States—and, of course, at hypocritical sporting events.
At one time, July 4 was known as Independence Day, but few people today refer to it by that name. Most people I know think of July 4 as a day they don’t have to go to the office or factory, can go to a ballgame, or spend time with family and friends. In their own way, that also celebrates America’s independence, because unlike in many countries around the world, Americans have a choice—not only on July 4 but every day.
I suppose I’m as patriotic as most Americans—probably more so than many, but not as patriotic as others—because I enlisted in the Army to serve during the days when many people of my age were fleeing to Canada to avoid military service (which I never faulted anyone for doing). I never thought my time in the military made me a better person than those who didn’t serve.
I also think I’m as patriotic as most Americans who, while being patriotic, do not wrap their bodies in the American flag—unlike sports leagues that believe playing the national anthem before a ballgame or honoring a veteran equates to patriotism. I never understood that.
While all leagues are complicit, the National Football League’s patriotic displays, in my opinion, are and have been the most hypocritical. Here’s why:
Hypocritical because a 2015 report released by former Sens. Jeff Flake and John McCain revealed that America’s sports leagues charged the Pentagon almost $7 million to allow “paid patriotic” displays at games—with NFL teams receiving the largest chunk of taxpayer money, more than $6 million, according to a USA Today article published Nov. 4, 2015.
The league returned $723,734, which it deemed an inappropriate use of the Pentagon’s money. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said an audit found that over the course of four seasons, $723,734 “may have been mistakenly applied to appreciation activities rather than recruitment efforts.” Of course. Mistakes happen. Of course. Don’t they?
To me, playing the national anthem before a ballgame does not “honor America,” as the NFL claims—it dishonors the flag. While the anthem is being sung, TV cameras show players not standing at attention but moving around, scratching themselves or spitting. People in the stands are so anxious for the game to begin that they cheer or whistle before the singer finishes the final note. The same is true when the anthem is played before games in baseball and other sports.
In addition, the NFL, Major League Baseball and other sports leagues endorse sin products such as alcoholic beverages and partner with legalized bookmakers, allowing these products to be televised during games. This tells viewers of all ages that it’s OK to indulge.
It’s well known that drinking and gambling are problems on college campuses. And sports leagues that allow commercials promoting gambling and drinking while young children are watching only add to the problem—conditioning them to do so as they grow older. It reminds me of the robber baron era, when making money was the ultimate goal, even if it meant cheating and destroying lives. That’s not my idea of “honoring America.”
Also not “honoring America” is NBCUniversal’s televising of the Olympic Games from totalitarian countries, with their Olympic team “forgetting” to mention the human rights abuses committed by host nations that are rivals of the United States.
I’m not a teetotaler, and I’m not against placing a wager at a racetrack—but inviting bookies into living rooms is not what I consider best for America. And I’m not against people going to Sin City to try their luck in a casino. (I’ve done so—without success—several times.)
What’s best for America, in my opinion, is to discourage (not outlaw) people from drinking alcoholic beverages, which science has proven can lead to serious health issues, including cancers. And to encourage people not to bet, but instead use that money for things like food, rent, education or any number of purposes that help a family, not harm it.
What’s worse for America, in my opinion, are sports leagues that promote products that hurt people—and sports announcers who read gambling commercials during televised games. If that’s not encouraging people to bet, what is?
July 4 should be celebrated as the day that gave Americans the right to decide for themselves—without being brainwashed by sports leagues and sports marketers who spend millions of dollars each year trying to convince TV viewers that “sin” products are good for you.
That’s no way to “honor America” on July 4 or any other day.
As people in our business who hawk products know, what’s good for the seller isn’t always good for the buyer.
During my long PR career, I’ve refused to work on accounts that went against my beliefs. I refuse to believe that all the PR and advertising people who work on accounts promoting gambling and drinking actually believe in what they’re promoting.
I’ve heard people working on accounts they disagree with compare themselves to lawyers by saying, “Everyone is entitled to a hearing and a defense,” as if that makes it OK. No, it doesn’t. Many lawyers are selective about the clients they choose to represent. And, importantly, PR people are not lawyers. We are propaganda merchants.
