Having the government give special favors to certain companies is unconstitutional. It allows the government to gain control of that company and dictate it's policies. This is Fascist. The NFL is in on this scam, I don't disagree with that. It's their fault for taking special favors from the government. They now need to do what the government says.

The Pentagon absolutely paid teams for patriotic events to boost military recruitment. That is not disputed. The players were NEVER on the field for the Anthem previously: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015/11/04/millions-paid-pro-teams-patriotic-events-sens-flake-mccain-say/75141688/

"We don't want politics in sports". Then don't make a deal with the government for tax breaks and $$$.