The money has nothing to do with the anthem (as opposed to the NFL Salutes a Soldier stuff which absolutely the military pays for.) It has everything to do with WW2, which is why sports leagues started doing it in the first place.
May have started in tribute to the World War but as soon as they started making it a pageant and having players on the field for it, it became about the $$$ more than remembrance. Money is the whole reason this is an issue now, money the owners fear losing from their season ticket owners and box seat companies. That the military began pushing money into the production of the anthem is just more fuel to the fire. Instead of a solemn couple of minutes it became a marketing scheme.
Does any one know where the love of God goes...When the waves turn the minutes to hours? -G. Lightfoot
On a non-flag related topic, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, a guard with the Chiefs, just graduated med school and is now officially a doctor. Probably still has to do residency at some point but it's still an impressive achievement esp. considering he signed a 5 year $41.25-million contract last year. He's asking to put MD on the back of his jersey after his name.