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Lakelynn Thompson

Julie Fotch

English

November 8, 2021

The high compensation that professional athletes receive today is a hotly debated topic.

While it is true that professional athletes possess unique talents and skills that justify their high

salaries, their exorbitant earnings can lead to an unequal distribution of wealth in society. This

income disparity can exacerbate social unrest and cast a negative light on other professions that

make significant contributions to society but are not as highly valued as sports.

The immense wealth generated by professional sports can sometimes overshadow other

important sectors such as education, healthcare, and research, which are crucial for the overall

development of society. This skewed prioritization of resources can hinder progress in areas that

have a more direct impact on the well-being and advancement of the general population. It is

important to strike a balance between recognizing and rewarding athletic talent, while also

ensuring that other vital sectors receive adequate attention and support.

Professional athletes are making more money than emergency nurses, firefighters,

schoolteachers, and a lot of other more important professions. This significant income disparity

raises concerns about the value we place on different occupations in our society. While

professional athletes entertain and inspire us, it is crucial to ensure fair compensation for those

who contribute directly to public safety, education, and healthcare.

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Throwing a football and saving lives are completely different things. Professional athletes

may bring joy and excitement to our lives, but their skills and contributions should not

overshadow the importance of professions that directly impact public safety, education, and

healthcare. The dedication and expertise required in these fields are crucial for the well-being

and progress of society.

Many people believe that professional athletes are paid fairly just because they work for

big companies. However, the fairness of professional athletes' salaries goes beyond just the size

of their employers. Their high earnings are often justified by their immense physical demands

and rigorous training schedules. Their short career spans that come with their profession.

Additionally, athletes' salaries are determined by market forces such as fan demand,

sponsorships, and TV rights deals, which further contribute to their perceived fair compensation.

What effect do professional sports have on the national economy? A professional sports

team can stimulate the local economy in several ways, such as the creation of new jobs, an

increase in consumer spending, an increase in sales in specific markets, and increases in tax

income. As well, professional sports teams frequently host visitors and tourists from other

regions, which raises the cost of entertainment, dining, and transport. This might also have a

positive spillover effect on other industries, such as retail, housing, and transportation, which

would strengthen the local economy. They also attract businesses and investors who see the

region's potential for growth and expansion.

Do we value entertainment over keeping people healthy and safe? Paying athletes

millions of dollars to play a game over those who keep our communities safe or healthy. This

question raises an important debate about societal priorities and the use of resources. While

entertainment certainly holds a significant place in our lives, it is crucial to consider the essential
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roles played by those who ensure our safety and well-being. Striking a balance between

rewarding entertainment and prioritizing public health and safety is a complex challenge that

requires careful consideration.

Professional athletes have relatively short careers. They deserve to be paid a good

amount, just not as much as they are being paid now. Finding a balance between fair

compensation and sustainability is crucial for the longevity of professional athletes' careers. It is

important to ensure that their earnings align with their skills, performance, and contributions to

the sport, while also considering the financial stability of the industry.

Many talk about the pay of athletes and how insane the amounts are, but do they know

the reality? These players receive multimillion-dollar contracts with sportswear companies and

other brands and endorsements. On average, the salary from a left tackle to a quarterback is

about $4-8 million who make the most. The basic salary for an active roster is close to $750,000

based on experience. These amounts do not even cover bonuses or benefits.

In the past players would play on a per-game basis. For instance, Red Grange signed a

contract for 19 games with the Chicago Bears at $100,000. “During the 1950s, players were

earning less than $6000 per season. In 1970, the minimum salary for rookies was $9000 and

$10,000 for veterans.” (Giri) By 1993 the pay skyrocketed with an average of $800,000. Since

then, the NFL wage gap is at its peak right now at $224.4 million.

Paying these athletes all this money starts to diminish the true meaning of the sport. They

do not play for purely the love of the game anymore they are playing for the money. This shift in

motivation can lead to a decline in the overall quality of the sport, as players may prioritize

financial gain over skill development or sportsmanship. Additionally, it can create a divide

between athletes who are financially rewarded and those who may not have the same
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opportunities, potentially undermining the fairness and integrity of the game. Sportsmanship is

not the same as it once was; most players only care about money and fame these days.

With this in mind, professional athletes should not be receiving the salary they are given.

On such a high level it is understood as to why they are paid so greatly. At the same time, it is

overrated and quite frankly they have become over-praised. While professional athletes possess

exceptional skills and entertain millions of fans worldwide, other professions contribute

significantly to society. The high compensation that professional athletes receive today is a hotly

debated topic.
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Works Cited

Bowen, Fred. “Are Pro Athletes Overpaid?” New York Times Upfront, vol. 151, no. 11, Apr.

2019, pp. 22–23. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?

direct=true&db=mat&AN=135552301&site=ehost- live.

Bradbury, John Charles, et al. “The Impact of Professional Sports Franchises and Venues on

Local Economies: A Comprehensive Survey.” Journal of Economic Surveys, vol. 37, no.

4, Sept. 2023, pp. 1389–431. EBSCOhost, https://doi.org/10.1111/joes.12533.

Edelman, Jesse, and Mackinzie Carro. “Are Athletes Overpaid?” Scholastic Scope, vol. 65, no. 4,

Dec. 2016, pp. 24–25. EBSCOhost,

search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=119487509&site=ehost-live.