National Football League

Hagel seeks info on military relationship with NFL

Published Sep. 19, 2014 1:36 p.m. ET

foxsports

WASHINGTON (AP) The Pentagon says Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is asking for information about the military's relationship with the National Football League, amid a number of high-profile domestic violence incidents involving players.

The military routinely uses broadcast games as recruitment tools. The military spends millions of dollars a year advertising during NFL games, and there is an agreement allowing the Armed Forces Network to broadcast games to service members overseas. That money goes to television networks, not the NFL.

The military also spent about $300,000 this year on participation at NFL games, including two aircraft flyovers at the Super Bowl and at a San Diego Chargers game honoring the U.S. Marine Corps birthday. Military bands and other units and members also participate in games.