I know that I shouldn't envy the rich, as I can't afford their problems. Yet, if we're going to pay that much to an entertainer (that's right, he plays, we watch), we have our priorities upside down.

Good morning Mr.Goff,

Do these athletes really deserve all that money?

In my mind, absolutely not. Professional athletes are making too much money. In today's society, one should be paid according to the job’s economic importance and their value to society, in other words the value of one's work.

Teaching is one of the most economically important occupations because our future economy relies on the education of its youth, yet teachers are paid astronomically less than the average professional athlete is.

Some may argue superstar athletes are entertaining fans all around the world, providing people with a feeling of relaxation and excitement. While I do understand that it takes a tremendous number of hours of hard work and dedication every day to earn a job in professional sports, these people do nothing more than entertain the general public.

The president, who makes critical decisions that affect the entire world every day, only makes $400,000 a year. Police officers, firefighters, and doctors save lives while risking their own for a fraction of what sports stars make. People in the military leave their families at home to defend and protect the country knowing they may never return. It's truly a pity that none of these true heroes are given the same recognition by society.

Moreover, in my mind, these athletes must prove to the world that they are going to be positive role models for future athletes, and those who admire them, that they can be positive role models for kids on and off the field. They may get leeway when it comes to their salaries, but the law shouldn't be overpowered by any amount of talent. For example, if Alex Rodriguez earns the same amount of money as it would take to feed the nation's poor for a year, he can’t cheat and take steroids. What kids learn from successful ballplayers like him is that “It’s okay for me to use illegal substances, because in the long run, it will pay off by earning me an enormous amount of money.” In order for these players to gain respect, they need to have a more significant impact on the community.

Finally, what really puzzles me, is how athletes say that millions of dollars won't be able to support him and his family, and that they need more. What puzzles me even more, is how after holding out for weeks, and sometimes months, the owners give in and pay them what they don't deserve.

The whole system that allows professional athletes to just bathe in money is simply ridiculous, and it needs to stop. When asking whether athletes are paid way too much money, I think most agree with me.

Regards,

Patrick Coppedge