I suppose I should begin by saying that I am not jealous of Roger Clemens, nor do I begrudge him the the fruits of his obvious skill and success. Clemens is a Hall of Fame-caliber pitcher and personality who plays the game the way it should be paid.
Having said that, though, Clemens’ latest (and likely final) contract is exactly why I am growing increasingly disillusioned with professional sports. Is ANY athlete worth $18 million? What, really, does Roger Clemens or any athlete contribute to society outside of entertainment?
No sacrilege intended, but I wouldn’t pay God $18 million dollars- and Clemens has a better fastball. I know I’m spitting into the wind here, but where will it stop? Isn’t it time we begin rewarding those who actually contribute something of lasting value to society? Of course it is, but that’s not the way things work. I suppose congratulations are in order to Clemens for achieving the success he has. It doesn’t mean that I have to agree with this state of affairs.
You know, you have a point but...
If all that money wasn't coming in through the turnstiles and the TV contracts, they wouldn't be giving it to the ballplayers. It's not like that $18M would be going to inner city schools or tsunami victims; it would be sitting in Drayton McLane's pocket. And given the choice between the two, I don't begrudge it to McLane but I'd rather see it go to the players.
Yes I agree the money is coming in through the turnstiles, and it should stop. I think everyone should follow my lead and instead of venturing through that turnstile with your $24 dollar ticket to purchase your $5 hotdog and $6 beverage, just stay home with your kids. Turn off the TV, go outside, and play in the back yard. We need to let the sports figures know that we don't care about home-runs, or touchdowns, or goals that our children did not score.