How much do the networks pay to watch buildings burn down? How many tickets can you sell to a fire? If someone was making hundreds of millions because of burning buildings, firefighters would definitely deserve a cut of the profits. Neither firefighters nor athletes should be treated like slave labor.
As long as we dangle the notion “Hey kids, be good at sports rather than scholarship and you can make millions”, we are promoting this awful standard- that sports stars are more important than teachers, doctor or even plumbers. But you can’t bet on plumbers so it’ll never change.
Mmm. Remember that the next you plunk down $80 for a jersey with your team’s log on it. Or buy a pair or Lebrons. Or watch the game on TV. Or if you’re fortunate enough to take out a second mortgage for your season tickets.
This is not new. Way back when, Babe Ruth made more than the then POTUS.
The average career of a football player is less than 4 years. And many sports stars are bankrupt two years after retirement. On top of that, there are many sports players with health problems from the beating their body took that persist throughout the rest of their lives.
everett_r0 over 5 years ago
If we paid as much, or maybe as little, attention to athletes as we do firefighters they’d wouldn’t earn near as much…..
phoenixnyc over 5 years ago
Market Economics 101 + Introduction to Adolescent Psychology.
(the adolescents, of course, being the people who live vicariously through…I mean, support….the athlete…)
Michael Peterson Premium Member over 5 years ago
How much do the networks pay to watch buildings burn down? How many tickets can you sell to a fire? If someone was making hundreds of millions because of burning buildings, firefighters would definitely deserve a cut of the profits. Neither firefighters nor athletes should be treated like slave labor.
pamela welch Premium Member over 5 years ago
Drew, as usual, you hit the nail on the head ♥ sadly so in this case. Thanks ♥
billsarar over 5 years ago
As long as we dangle the notion “Hey kids, be good at sports rather than scholarship and you can make millions”, we are promoting this awful standard- that sports stars are more important than teachers, doctor or even plumbers. But you can’t bet on plumbers so it’ll never change.
"It's the End of the World!!!" Premium Member over 5 years ago
Mmm. Remember that the next you plunk down $80 for a jersey with your team’s log on it. Or buy a pair or Lebrons. Or watch the game on TV. Or if you’re fortunate enough to take out a second mortgage for your season tickets.
This is not new. Way back when, Babe Ruth made more than the then POTUS.
josh_bisbee over 5 years ago
The average career of a football player is less than 4 years. And many sports stars are bankrupt two years after retirement. On top of that, there are many sports players with health problems from the beating their body took that persist throughout the rest of their lives.
LJZ Premium Member over 5 years ago
Simply put; market value. I don’t begrudge any employee for getting whatever they can… plus athletes have a better union!