Athlete's Large Salary

Michaella Daniels
Ms. Olivares
Advanced American Literature
18 Feb. 2008
The Negative Impact of an Athlete’s Large Salary Star athletes have a role in our society that many never asked for or hoped to obtain. They are seen as heroes in the eyes of many and in hopes to shed this image they do crimes most perceive unthinkable. They are the highlight of the American society and can do absolutely no wrong. Despite the offense and level of intensity of the crime the athlete will not be punished based on his crime; ironically, he will gain the lack of punishment from his star status. Whether professional athletes like it or not they are role models and should act as such. The stake for a great athlete is extremely high and is steadily rising.
Coaches and team owners will go to great lengths to obtain the next Michael Jordon or Sammy Sosa. They will pay the highest price for a fast runner or superior pitcher. In 2003, the minimum salary for a first- year professional football player was $225, 000 (Scott 42). For someone with a passion for the sport this is an enormous amount of money to do something they love. Salaries of professional athletes continue to increase; in 2001, baseball player Alex Rodriguez signed a nine year, 250 million dollar contract (Elert). As their income increases, so does the price of a ticket to the games. Americans love their sportspersons and glorify them far more than any other profession. Jose Canseco received the baseball leagues maximum pay of $2,500 per month (Cooper). Over the expanse of 30 years the pay of a professional baseball player has risen from $19,000 to $ 1, 383,578 and so the ticket price has soared, but people gladly pay to see their all-stars in action. Who more that an American places athletes on such a high pedestal that he may receive pay such as this? We are the most high strung on idolizing sports participants. With the high salary and glorified position comes an unspoken privilege.
This privilege is well known by many but talked about by none. Offenses are committed time and again by people from different occupations. From mailmen to educators and even some law enforcers, any and every line of work has the tendency to harbor an offender; the sports world is no different. In 2003, All- Star basketball player Kobe Bryant was accused of sexual assault by an employee of a Vail- area resort where he stayed that summer. Prosecutor’s said Bryant flirted with the woman, a front desk employee, during a tour of the resort. After the ended up in his room, they began to kiss, which she acknowledged was consensual. Investigators have said the encounter turned violent and that she told Bryant “no” at least twice. In the civil suit, the attorneys said at some point during the kissing “Bryant’s voice became deeper and his acts became rougher” as he began to grope the woman. She asked him to stop, but Bryant allegedly blocked her exit, grabbed her and forced her over a chair to rape her. Bryant’s hands were around the woman’s neck, the attorneys said — “a perceived threat of potential strangulation if she resisted his advances” (Nbcsports). In 2004, after much publicity and heartache the case was dismissed by the prosecutors, even after spending at least $ 200, 000 on preparing for the trial (Nbcsports). Bryant was forgiven by both his wife and his fans for his offenses because he harbored that special privilege that comes with the territory. Despite the fact that the female was the victim of the situation death threats against her life were made. Bryant’s beloved fans would rather the woman remain quiet than to get the justice she deserves; they would rather that their basketball god’s good named be saved rather than the truth of his actions be told. Because Bryant has so much money he is thought of as an icon and someone to be looked up and most feel that despite what he does it is
not suitable for punishment. Heisman Trophy winner and NFL record setter OJ Simpson, was put on trial for the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman. It was the football player’s star status that made the trial the most followed case throughout the duration of the trial.