As a result of constant media attention, sports professionals in my country have become stars and
celebrities, and those at the top are paid huge salaries. Just like movie stars, they live
extravagant lifestyles with huge houses and cars.
Many people find their rewards unfair, especially when comparing these super salaries with those of
top surgeons or research scientists, or even leading politicians who have the responsibility of
governing the country. However, sports salaries are not determined by considering the contribution
to society a person makes, or the level of responsibility he or she holds. Instead, they reflect
the public popularity of sport in general and the level of public support that successful stars can
generate. So the notion of 'fairness' is not the issue.
Those who feel that sports stars' salaries are justified might argue that the number of
professionals with real talent are very few, and the money is a recognition of the skills and
dedication a person needs to be successful. Competition is constant and a player is tested every
time they perform. in their relatively short career. The pressure from the media is intense and
there is little privacy out of the spotlight. So all of thesefactors may justify the huge earnings.
Personally, I think that the amount of money such sports stars make is more justified than the huge
earnings of movie stars, but at the same time, it indicatesthat our society places more value on
sport than on more essential professions and achievements.