Star players deserve the high-paying contracts they request for their production and what they bring to their team.
These professional athletes attract more viewers and increase TV ratings as well as fan attendance to the audience’s favorite sports team games in person.
The entertainment industry, especially sports, earns its money from viewer ratings. It’s no surprise that the franchises that have more success throughout the season will have more eyes on them.
Good players will always have leverage over their teams knowing they can hold out until they can reach an agreement that favors the player’s best interest.
On Wednesday, Deebo Samuel, who is a wide receiver for the 49ers, requested a trade away from the 49ers because of a contract dispute.
Calling Samuel a wide receiver is an understatement because he also ran extremely hard for the 49ers as well. Samuel not only had an average of 13.5 rushing attempts for about 68 yards but also had about 3 receptions for an average of 50 yards in the playoffs.
The first team all-pro was extremely clutch for the 49ers in the playoffs and was so good that he was a pro-bowler. So why isn’t he paid?
Samuel, A.J Brown, and Terry McLaurin decided to skip all offseason programs on Monday and it was all because of these contract disputes.
Just like Samuel, Brown, and McLaurin have been amazing for their respective teams yet they haven’t been compensated based on their play.
For baseball, Aaron Judge’s contract extension talks with the Yankees stalled out. Without a doubt, Judge is a superstar and a big-time name for the Yankees, who should be compensated as such.
The two-time silver slugger, three-time all-star, rookie of the year, and the home run champ asked for a 10-year, 360 million dollar contract close to the Mike Trout ballpark.
Judge has given them that production and kept them into world series contention so if he ends up leaving, the Yankees will turn into a first-round exit in the playoffs.
Athletes sacrifice their mental health, time with friends and families, and body at times to consistently compete at the highest level for our entertainment.
In the end, it’s a business, entertainment is not a priority however it’s still an industry that provides opportunities to athletes and their personalities.
Although it may seem very selfish and greedy for a star player to ask for millions to appear as the highest-paid players in their respective leagues, they still have the right to ask it comes down to whether a team decides to agree to terms.
