Pro athletes are overpaid.

Pro athletes are not overpaid, for a couple of reasons. I mean, first off, giving these athletes all the millions of dollars isn't just saying bye to it all together; when is the last time you heard of an athlete who was saving money and not buying anything, not stimulating the economy? That's the reason they are given so much, because they go out and buy multiple estates and multiple vehicles, and usually a wide variety of economy boosting items. Individually, it may not matter, but all of the athletes together, and you suddenly have billions and billions being dumped into the economy on all sorts of things, keeping businesses alive and helping certain companies expand. It really is the main reason they get paid so much. Also, many athletes share their wealth not only with our Country by boosting our economy, but charities. You always hear of athletes dumping millions in funds, setting up foundations for specific needs, usually targeting those who don't have a lot. The Chris Bosh (NBA Raptors) Foundation is just one example. The Foundation's website describes the Foundation as "a non-profit organization promoting social enrichment, education and physical fitness among youth. The Foundation assists youth in reaching the educational and athletic goals they set through mentoring and setting examples in the community." The list of athletes who have made charitable contributions is endless, and I feel that this is often overlooked due to negative stories involving athletes in regards to crime or drugs. Indeed, these people earn significant amounts of money playing the games which they love, but in most cases, pro athletes are amongst the most generous and compassionate public citizens. Many would argue that with the amount of money North American professional athletes earn, this charity work is to be expected. However, lest we forget that there are thousands of financially successful people in other professions who in many cases earn more money than these athletes and perhaps do not concern themselves as much towards community initiatives. In fact, given the fame that is so closely associated with pro athletes, they are also given a platform to promote their charities and gain support from the corporate sector in supporting their cause. Examples such as Chris Bosh, prove as evidence that this platform is not only recognized, but utilized as well. Another reason is that these people not only are athletes, but national icons in most cases; motivational for many audiences, usually young children, and beneficial to help encourage this Country's youth to get active. On a final note, think of it this way...they are not just getting paid to entertain us through whichever sport medium, but they are also getting paid to be recognized everywhere they go, having their face on commercials and milk cartons in school, their name on newspapers and on the T.V. They are getting paid to be of ultimate service to the country; not many professions ask for such a hefty price. I can only think of one doctor by name, that being Ben Carson. No lawyers come to mind, and not one CEO of a company is in my brain; however, I could most likely tell you the whole Ravens roster, not to mention every other important player in football, baseball, and even basketball, and I don't even watch the last two. It's the same reason some actors are 20 million a picture.