Why Do Professional Athletes Overpaid

In the year of 2013, professional baseball player Alex Rodriguez signed to a record 29 million dollars annually with the New York Yankees, not including any bonuses or promotions. At this time, this was the most any baseball player had ever made in just one season. This event had led to the argument of overpaid athletes. Many could say that millions of dollars are too much just to play a sport. But professional athletes are not overpaid, as they have to cover injury costs, people pay to see them play, and they have very short careers. The first reason why professional athletes are not overpaid is because they have to cover injury costs. In sports such as football or basketball, the event of an injury is present in every season, every game, even practice. Since most major

The average career of a professional athlete is 3 to 7 years. 7 years! This means that about 8% of the lifetime, they are making money. The rest, well, they are out on their own. When their professional stint ends, they are out by themselves. Now, there are some who are able to still have endorsements and sell sponsored products with their own brands. But these are only the most popular athletes, who have had over 10 years in their sport. The rest, with some to no education at all, are in left their mid-30s – 40s, and do not have a job. Therefore, it is necessary to pay these athletes sums of money that which they can support themselves and their family with after their athletic career ends. Notice how it’s usually the best athletes getting paid the most. This is because these athletes have shaped their lives around sports, and had very little time for education. Many did not get to attend college. Now, when their careers end and they have little education, is it going to be easy for them to pick up work again? No. So, with those millions they had earned before, they can support