Representatives Kenny Howard and Valerie Hodges can’t come to terms with what they are calling hypocrisy on the part of 10 New Orleans Saints who sat during the National Anthem on Sunday. Howard’s statement on Monday reflected his outrage;

“Disrespecting our national anthem and flag in the name of social injustice is the highest form of hypocrisy. I believe in the right to protest, but not at a taxpayer-subsidized sporting event. Do it on your own time.” He believes that if insulting fans isn’t enough to deter the player’s protests perhaps the threat of losing $165 million would be.

The Saints are valued at approximately $1.5 billion. At least $165 million comes from “public funding, tax breaks, and incentives.” This money is given to Saints’ owner Tom Benson and could be used to influence the players. According to a local newspaper;

“State Rep. Valarie Hodges, R-Denham Springs, has also requested the Saints’ state benefits be reviewed by the Legislature’s Senate and House budget committees as a result of the players’ protest. Hodges is a member of the House Appropriations Committee, which oversees state finances.”



In addition, the Saints do not pay rent on their stadium. In fact, Louisiana just spent $85 million in upgrades to the Superdome. Meanwhile, the team owner keeps all profits from concessions, tickets, and parking. Hardly a fair trade when the team decides it wants to use paid time to protest.

Saints, not Tom Benson specifically release their statement on Trump’s comments and aftermath pic.twitter.com/gkm9soEMn1 — Michael Cauble (@MichaelCauble) September 24, 2017

Sources warn that using this kind of tactic could backfire. However, taxpayers are subsidizing these teams and getting very little in return. When citizens are aware of what the teams are receiving in addition to what fans pay to attend games, it becomes a costly gamble to anger a large part of their base.

If the Saints and other NFL players are so disgusted with the government then they can explain that to the owners allowing their protests and they can all forgo state assistance from now on. After all, accepting money from the institution you are protesting would be wrong. Surely these new political activists wouldn’t mind sacrificing some salary for their cause?

Sources: Conservative Tribune – The Times-Picayune