Why are professional athletes paid so much?
@Cougarlover152 (108)
United States
March 9, 2007 11:54am CST
Am I the only one who thinks the salaries paid to professional athletes has gotten out of hand, or are there others like me who don't think what they do is worth what they make? What value is added to our lives by watching professional sports and spending our money to suppport these athletes, many of whom are criminals and drug addicts? I agree there is some entertainment value, but do they deserve to get paid millions of dollars each year to run the fastest, catch the most passes, score the most goals, etc? What will they ultimately give to society when their careers are over? Are we playing into the hands of criminal elements who take advantage of people with gambling addictions? If you agree that professional athletes are paid too much, on what do you think our money would be more better spent?
4 responses
@fpd1955 (2074)
• United States
9 Mar 07
Yes, I think professional athletes are grossly overpaid. The good athletes make money for the owners, television, nba, mlb, nfl, etc. The athletes value is placed on how much money he/she can bring in revenues to these other interests. It is totally based on money.
Unfortunately, being a teacher, soldier, fireman/woman, policeman/woman....doesn't make anybody any money, so they are grossly underpaid for what they do. Even though their professions are of more value to society.
Not all athletes are criminals. Most of them do give back to the community. Some of them make children want to aspire to be someone's hero, too. The good ones usually make a good impression on youngsters. Most of them have charities that help impovershed children gain access to becoming something greater than being a gang banger or a criminal. Although the athletes are overpaid, they do give a lot back to those that don't have money.
I enjoy watching sports. When I watch with my cousin, she really gives any athlete heck that makes an error,swings at a terrible pitch, doesn't catch a ball or throw one right or just screws up in one way or another. She says "You get paid millions of dollars, you should be perfect!!" I just laugh, and remind her that they are still human.
1 person likes this
@fpd1955 (2074)
• United States
11 Mar 07
Cougar, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for you to think that I thought you inferred all athletes were criminals. It is just the way I wrote it that I guess you did.
It absolutely means more when a person of little means gives to the community. Unortunately, it is seldom recognized because they do lack "celebrity".
I totally agree with you about Pro's that break the law and seemingly get away with it. They are allowed to continue in their sport without paying the consequences the average person would pay. Latrelle Sprewell, Allen Iverson,Ron Artest and Tank Johnson come to mind.
1 person likes this
@Cougarlover152 (108)
• United States
11 Mar 07
Oh, no! Please don't apologize! I wasn't taking you to task for pointing that out! :D I do realize my statement was very broad and perhaps not fair, but it is so frustrating to see so many involved in illegal activity have their crimes sensationalized in the media and then get off without punishment. It's as though being a "bad boy" is glamorous. Any lay person committing the same crimes would be ruined. Know what I mean?
@Cougarlover152 (108)
• United States
10 Mar 07
FPD, thank you for pointing out what athletes give back to society. I didn't mean to infer that all athletes are criminals. A lot do wonderful charitable work which they may not have had the means to do without their careers. These are positive role models, however, their star status does cause them to shadow the common person who has perhaps given great portions of their lives to charitible causes, who have even fewer means to do so. I do think it's wonderful when people of wealth give back to the world and yes, this should be noted. But doesn't it mean more to give when one has little to offer?
Another thing that bothers me is when professional athletes are caught in criminal activity, yet keep their jobs. Bless them that get help for their addictions and serve time for their crimes. But how many times have we heard of athletes committing crimes who get a slap on the wrist and continue to play their sport? What kind of message is this sending to our children?
I know I'm just a small voice with idealistic dreams and that things don't change overnight. I just hope our comments niggle at some who haven't really considered these things.
@skb369 (285)
• India
9 Mar 07
i agree dude. theres no way that the pay scales of these athletes are concomitant with their achievements. the money they make is ridiculously over the top. all this is fueled by the ever growing media and the overhyping of sports. in our country for instance, the top game is cricket. the cricketers in our country are insanely rich,given the mass hysteria they generate and the contracts they are doled out. add to this endorsement deals and you have pay figures that reach into the stratosphere. true they are sweating their guts out and providing great entertainment, but the amount of money they get just doesnt seem to add up.
1 person likes this
@Cougarlover152 (108)
• United States
10 Mar 07
Interestingly, SKB, my fiance is from England, and he commented that this is a big discussion in your country. [I'm not a dude. ;)] One of the things that promted me to post this thread was David Beckham getting paid an exhorbitant amount to come to play for America. $250 million a year? PLEASE!!! The man may be talented, but this is outrageous!! I'd be interested in hearing your view, as an English sports enthuisiast (I'm assuming, here), on this particular topic. Is Beckham worth it? Are his best days over? Did America go to far to get a big name? What do you think?
@fpd1955 (2074)
• United States
11 Mar 07
Cougar, did you hear the news that Beckham hurt his knee and will be out for 2 months!? Isn't it ironic, doncha think? (To borrow from Alannis)
He'll probably be paid his entire salary, unlike us average peeps that only get a portion through workman's comp.
1 person likes this
@Cougarlover152 (108)
• United States
11 Mar 07
Yes, I did hear that, and I'm just cynical enough to believe that his contract has a clause which allows him to be paid full salary in case of injury. (Sigh)
@senses (840)
• Philippines
10 Mar 07
Sometimes I think of that, but let as also remember that while palying they life is also at risk. Who knows they might suffer accident during the play? Anyhow, i guess there should also be great payment for those who are working hard rather than this hobby job they are maikng!
lol
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www.karolejoseph.blogspot.com
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@Cougarlover152 (108)
• United States
11 Mar 07
Thank you for inviting me to your blog! I read it all and am extremely humbled. Congratulations on your education! You've done wonderfully! I appreciate that you invited me to learn about your culture and you! Please, anyone reading this, read Senses blog! It is extremely interesting and informative. Karole, you could be a writer! Nicely done!
