Early man had every reason to remain physically fit. After all, his very survival depended on his ability to confront dangerous prey and predators and to face the challenges imposed by his natural environment. Once we developed permanent settlements, facilitated by the cultivation of plants and the domestication of animals, our physical prowess turned to warfare and sport; the latter, of course, included physical combat for the purpose of entertainment.
Today, some 10,000 years later, those rudimentary sports have morphed into a wide range of amateur and professional contests, the latter commanding some of the highest salaries in human civilization. As the Final Four gets underway and the Masters Golf Tournament looms in the near future, it seems appropriate to consider whether professional athletes are valued out of proportion to other (more vital) members of our society. While youth and amateur sports play an important role in the health of humans, the economics of both college and professional sports seems to be out of control.
Certainly, successful athletes have worked long and hard to achieve their stature and cannot be denied the right to cash-in on that effort. However, Big Money has repeatedly corrupted college sports and the value placed on professional athletes has fueled a wide range of social ills and personal tragedies. It seems to me that we can honor sport and admire talent without bestowing god-like celebrity on the participants and without directing financial resources away from vital social programs. That decision lies with the fans, not with the power brokers of professional sports leagues.
Today, some 10,000 years later, those rudimentary sports have morphed into a wide range of amateur and professional contests, the latter commanding some of the highest salaries in human civilization. As the Final Four gets underway and the Masters Golf Tournament looms in the near future, it seems appropriate to consider whether professional athletes are valued out of proportion to other (more vital) members of our society. While youth and amateur sports play an important role in the health of humans, the economics of both college and professional sports seems to be out of control.
Certainly, successful athletes have worked long and hard to achieve their stature and cannot be denied the right to cash-in on that effort. However, Big Money has repeatedly corrupted college sports and the value placed on professional athletes has fueled a wide range of social ills and personal tragedies. It seems to me that we can honor sport and admire talent without bestowing god-like celebrity on the participants and without directing financial resources away from vital social programs. That decision lies with the fans, not with the power brokers of professional sports leagues.
