When you tune into your favorite major league sporting event on TV, and see military personnel standing on the sideline or court side, there's a good chance it isn't all it seems.

Apparently, it's been common practice for the Department of Defense to pay professional sports teams big bucks to showcase military personnel during games.

A congressional investigation found the Defense Department paid thousands of taxpayer dollars to pro teams for that show of patriotism.

Of the 122 contracts that were looked at, 72 were found to have some form of "paid patriotism" involved.

The various leagues are now being asked to donate the cash paid to charities helping veterans and to not continue the practice.

(Source: ABC Radio News)

More From Hot 104.7 - KKLS-FM