why does this society think paying millions of dollars to sports players is right? what about homeless people?
552484
Our sports heros are the gladiators of this era.\nPeople seem to be able to identify with them more than doctors, nurses, teachers, etc.\nThe media glorifies them and we desire to "be like Mike".
1017546
All athletes face temptation in their quest to get ahead.  They are protected by their organization which is why laws need to be changed and actually enforced.  Owners are reluctant to kick them off the team because then they're not getting their money's worth, but this has to change.
761018
Yes, it's obscene the amount that they earn.   Ultimately it's the fan in the street who pays their wages, and some of those are the least able to afford it.
559603
Whatever they paid... wasn't worth it. Millions of fans were heart-broken.\nBTW, you sure they paid? You know our football players tend to have the worst luck ever.
889104
In many countries it is who you know and who you pay that decides sports team inclusion.  Sad but true.
1131964
Entertainment as not real value, some people are will pay a lot of money for stuff that other will hate so entertainers will make money base on people attendance. As long as basket ball will be follow and love as much as it is players salaries will keep increasing coz those who pay them get their money back somehow, it is business so don't forget if owner start losing money they will stop paying if they keep making it they will make sure that the spent more to gain more, don't know if you rae following but the whole point is don't debate on it, either boycott or enjoy the game that it is!
145706
Your right what is the big deal and why do we pay these guys such extravagant amounts of money. they don't even help the nation with any kind of policy or affect the world when they make any kind of decision.  I think we should boycott professional sports.  At least strike so the owners start to lower prices on tickets and concession stand crap.  I like sports to play, exercise and have a fun way of competition but it's got way out of hand when colleges focus more on the athletics then they do the education now adays.
230404
It is a simple lesson in economics supply and demand. For athletes, people are willing to pay money to see a game and receive a service. Owners are willing to pay star players more because they attract more fans to the games, sell more gear, get more endorsements, get more radio/tv money. The players pay for themselves.\n\nTeachers, policemen and other civil servants does not fall so much into this same criteria. Most of these are paid with taxpayers money.  The taxes come from property, sales or income taxes.  At the same time, they do not produce the revenue that a baseball player/team can produce.  Due to both of these factors they do not get paid as  pro athletes do.\n\nThe same applies to anyone with a specific job with the city, county, state or federal government such as an attorney or an engineer. They typically get paid less than a counterpart in the private industry. They have the same skill set and experience but get paid less. In exchange, they usually get better hours, more benefits. More importantly they usually enjoy knowing that they are working for the citizens.\n\nAs with everything in life there is a tradeoff.
1131470
I don't believe that all sports are rigged, especially not NCAA. But it has become appearent over the past 5-10 years that Professional athletes in particular are simply getting paid too much money and it's gone to their heads. They have lost the love for the game.  They don't care to play hard and play good defense or win a championships because they are still gonna get their $25 million at the end of the season regardless. Beyond that, in the NBA especially, it seems that there are basically no rules, whatever happened to fouls or traveling?  It's just street ball, which to me says that at this point it's just for entertainment and players and owners are playing into that, they just give the people what they think they want to see; exciting close games, exaggerated rivalries, and amazing shots, dunks, and passes, not real basketball.
895979
i agree with you it really isnt right...but its the way economics works now...those with the money get the best seats and those real fans get left out...\n\nsame goes with celebritys at the world series/superbowl/nba finals...\nthey are all just there to be seen...other people deserve it but they dont get it...\n\ni realize the alumni have attachments to the school...however they should not always have the best seats...
41838
Many of the people that are homeless choose not to work and just give up on life.  Maybe because of drugs or alcohol.  I know this first hand because my brother in law is homeless.  He comes and stays with family for a while and then CHOOSES to go back out on the streets. I just dont get it.  He doesnt want to work because he owes alot in child support and says they will take more than half of his money.  He said there are many homeless like him. They are choosing to be that way.  He gets free food from food kitchens and begging.  He stays at shelters when its cold.  He gets free medical because our medical system will not refuse service to anyone. I think sometimes we are enabling him. Im not saying all are but many. I do realize there are many that are homeless that may not have any control over their cicurmstances.
625923
I am a firm believer, that should a footballer agree to a contract worth, let's say £40.000 a week, he should be entitled to half of what they earn, which would be £20.000, then the other £20.000 would be payed to the player, based on his performance, goals scored, then dedute payments on bookings and sendings offs.\n\nBy doing this, both club and supporters are getting there money's worth, with players putting in 100%every game and they can justify paying that amount to a single player.\n\nFor the footballer, this would be a good payment system, as they would have to play to there maxium level, if they wanted their full amount at the end of each wee. It would also improve disclinpary problems, which sadly today so many players lack.
544405
Yes, they definitely get paid too much.  There are other professions that deserve more, while sports deserve less.  The military definitely warrants better pay, because they fight for our freedom to enjoy those spectator sports.  Teachers deserve more because without them, society would lack the knowledge necessary to thrive.  Professional athletes are able to demand those high salaries because people allow them to.  If they weren't supported, they wouldn't make the money.
26530
Dear , When the player sells him self to whom pays more ! what do you expect !?\nI guss this's life ; and we don't rule it !
670039
I assume that you are talking about the players.  In that case it is baseball.  The NFL has a salary cap.  You don't see any football players signing $200 million dollar contracts like in baseball (Alex Rodriguez)
980968
It depends.\n\nSome funds are used to support charitable causes.  The leagues given collective baragining agreement defines some of this.\n\nLeagues do try to avoid the perception that they are fining players to generate revenue or exectuve bonuses.
911365
Yes!\n\nThey get paid millions just to kick a ball around a field. I think the people who really deserve  to get paid loads don't. People like paramedics, the police, nurses, firefighters, soldiers, engineers etc should be the ones who earn loads because they are making a real difference in this world.\nThe word "hero" is over used. I remember a football figurine advert wih the caption "A hero in your hand". That's not a true hero. A hero puts his/her life on the line for others, with no regard for their own safety. These true heroes should be paid much more for what they do.\n\nThe people who actually improve the world should go down in history and be revered for all time, not sportsmen.