| I think and before I get started, good column once again Tom. But I think the words "Do they need it" and "do they deserve it" often get bunched together and this is a poor job by the people who say athletes are overpaid.
If they thought of it this way, they wouldn't say things like that.. Do the athletes need $6 million a year or whatever it is? No, but does a business man who sells clothing or whatever need his $1 million dollars plus? No, he doesn't either.
However, they deserve what they get. That's the key and the reason I will never complain about salaries. The way our system is structured it allows those who deserve the most money to make however much it is that they are worth.
An owner of a succeful baseball team makes much much more then the highest paid player on his team. It's not even an issue. Now, I don't think A-Rod deserved $25 million a year to the next highest player Jeter, who is making a little over 20, but the Texas Rangers owner was dumb enough to give it to him and I can't fault A-Rod for that.
Also, these athletes account for much more charity work and give more money to suffering individuals then the average person ever will, so everyone should really get off their back.
I saw George Steinbrenner on television the other day and though I hate the man, he made an excellent point. He said Derek Jeter making $20 million a year to play 162 games is much more within reason then some movie actor who makes the same for one film and people NEVER complain about that. |