Many fans these days have become outraged with the high priced contracts given to professional athletes, and who can blame them, as many athletes are making more money in one year than the average fan will make in their lifetime. Many fans tend to blame the athletes themselves for this; however, in actual reality, the athletes are only bringing in a small portion of what the industry is making itself. Athletics today is bigger than ever, and more people are attending sports events than ever before. Sports have the truly unique ability to bring people of all races, genders and social classes together to form one common bond: the well-being of the home team. Sports also give people a sense of hope, as watching the athletes heroic actions tend to give young children faith that they can succeed in their own endeavors. Aside from all the good that sports brings, however, a growing majority of fans are becoming more and more resentful with the high priced industry.
North America is a celebration of diversity, with each individual differing in race, ethnic background and religion. We also differ in talents, skills, education, experience, determination and luck. It is no surprise that our paychecks vary too, from minimum wage to astronomical levels. It is interesting that big-money jealousies tend to focus on athletes much more than movie stars and other entertainers. Oprah Winfrey made more than $200 million in 1997, and Jerry Seinfield made close to $100 million. Does this mean that we have to step in and compress their salaries as well? No, because lowering the salaries of sports stars and other mega earners will not put more money in the pockets of school teachers, nurses and policeman, which is what many people feel should happen. Yes, perhaps the people who educate us and save our lives should be making more money, but that is not to say that that money will come by lowering the overpriced entertainment industry.