Are Athletes Overpaid?? By: Jarel Orr

Research Most of my research was from the internet and books from my school library. It was complicated trying to find information on this subject because there weren’t many people that knew much about this subject; therefore, I had to resort to the internet and my school library.

Interesting Facts Median of pay for professional athletes: $30,702. Highest paid athlete ever was and is Alex Rodriguez with $275,000,000 for ten years. Lacrosse players average around 10,000 to 20,000 a year. Athletes’ contracts are compromised based on how much profit the company feels they can make based on that one athlete.

Product I was able to provide instruction to children kindergarten age through 8th grade in two sports: Wrestling and soccer. I assisted their team coaches in practices and during games. I worked with these children to show what it takes to be an athlete, and to teach them the work involved to become better athletes; this discipline may help lead them to a career in sports.

Problems Most of the difficulties in this project occurred when I was trying to link my initial topic to the project, especially when a few interviews I attempted to schedule with athletes never materialized. My mentor assisted me with this dilemma. I was then faced with viewing my project from a different point of view: From the eyes of an aspiring athlete instead of from a participating athlete’s point of view.

What I Learned I learned that I love teaching and I gained understanding as to why teachers enter into the educational profession. There is much hard work, discipline, and sacrifice in learning skills and training the body to go beyond comfortable limits. Athletes are some of the hardest working people in the world, and provide entertainment throughout the world, even during the worst of times; so I feel that they do deserve the salaries they make. I was also exposed to a different side of athletics: Instead of being an athlete participant, I assumed the role of assistant coach, and became responsible for teaching skills and motivating children. I also learned the administrative and organizational work involved in coaching; and this could potentially help me in selecting a profession; when I enter the world of work, and when I become a parent one day.