Introduction
Professional athlete salaries have been a point of contention for many years, with some claiming that athletes are overpaid and others claiming that their salaries are justifiable. Former sports anchor Mihir Bhagat once said that “professional athletes are making too much money in a society where salaries and wages are traditionally based on the value of one’s work.” However, the premise that salaries are solely based on the value of one’s work is not entirely accurate. In reality, there are many examples of low-value jobs that are paid significantly more due to market demand. Many believe that teachers, first responders, and other public servants deserve higher salaries because they have a greater impact on society.
Professional Athletes: Overpaid or Underpaid?
For instance, The New York Times Upfront argues that athletes’ contribution to humanity is not proportional to their wages (Are pro athletes overpaid?, 2019). On the other hand, proponents of high salaries for athletes say they bring in much revenue for the sports leagues and teams they play for (Hewitt, 2019). The sports industry provides many people with jobs and income generated due to the interest in elite sportsmen.
The large amounts of money spent on professional sports also raise moral questions about the values we hold in society. Many challenges are linked to the amount of money in sports, such as the pressure to perform, the temptation to cheat, and the unequal distribution of wealth (Hewitt, 2019). These issues raise questions about the role that professional sports should play in society and the responsibilities of those involved in the industry.
However, it is not fair to push all the burden of responsibility onto athletes only. Every person involved in the industry, including sportsmen, agents, teams, leagues, and fans, needs to address these challenges. The sports industry can remain a positive and ethical part of society. It can be achieved by creating more charity and non-profit events and organizations around spots that will redirect the excess money to people in need.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the debate over whether professional athletes are overpaid or underpaid will likely continue as people consider the impact of the sports industry differently. However, it is crucial to consider the moral and ethical implications of large amounts of money spent on professional sports and to work towards creating a more equitable and responsible industry. There are many ways in which the sports industry can positively impact society by sharing resources with people.
References
Are pro athletes overpaid? The New York Times Upfront. (2019). Web.
Hewitt, S. (2019). Overpaid? or underpaid? Samford University. Web.