WHY? Major league sports players make more $ than police?

Question

I am not a police officer nor do I work for a department. I just wonder why major league ball players and/or golfers make massive amounts of money compared to the men and women who put their lives on the line 24/7 to keep Americans safe. It just seems wrong that "entertainers" are getting more money than those risking their lives everyday for us. Also, how many here reading this would donate a MOST of lottery winnings to your local department (as individual donations for those out in the field)? I know that I would pay off my home, bills, car and bank enough to live on. Then I would call all the officers together in a conference without media and anonymously (give no name) give each of then their divided portion. To see their faces with joy--it would make me feel so good inside. My daughter was just recently involved with a drunk driver who ran from the scene (she is fine-not a scratch). He ran and wouldn't turn himself in until he sobered up. He is trying to beat the arrest.

Answer 1

I really don't know. One man, in the history of baseball, has been killed while playing. In the last two years, just over 150 officers have been killed in each year, which is just over 150 TOO MANY.

For one, professional atheletes make too much as it is. But I think officers are paid what they are because: 1. it's a public job, which means that there's only so much money, 2. by keeping it low, it weeds out those who only want glory or lots of money. I believe that being a police officer is something you want to do, regardless of how much it's paying, becuase it's something you feel you must do. I do believe they deserve a lot more, but paying more would attract undesirables.

I'm not a police office, but I'd like to be (but probably can't), and they certainly don't get treated fairly enough. Not just the money, and I know they don't want a lot of recognition, but they deserve to be treated nicely, not like those loser criminals who try to make it on "Cops" treat the officers. They protect you, yet they get no respect.

After the events of 9/11, a firefighter was quoted (I know we're talking about police officers, but I'm sure they feel the same way)as saying, when someone said your a hero. He said "I'm not hero, I'm a firefighter (sometimes documented as "I'm doing my job".) I believe this is how they all feel, however, if we can occasionally recognize their efforts at keeping us safe, I'm sure they'd appreciate that, as well.

Answer 2

Because that is the focus our our society. Just look at colleges. There are some enormously intelligent people that do not get a spot in top colleges because they have to recruit some jock with a 2 point something GPA because he can throw a football really well. Our society places so much emphasis on sports and sports figures like they are Gods.

Our society has a messed up view of morals. There are plenty of professions that deserve to be paid more that don't. Police, Firefighters, teachers, etc put so much more into society than sports do but they get the least respect.

Answer 3

It's capitalism at it's best. Professional ball players generate more income than do police officers. While police officers risk more it is something that is easier to become than a pro athlete or rock star. The income of the police is something they are aware of when they enter the profession and if it is too little money for them then they should likely seek another career. For many in law enforcement I am sure that their motivation is not financial and more likely some feeling of accomplishment and inner goodness they get from helping their fellow man. Many careers are underpaid for their value to society, like teachers and EMS, but in our American economy value is not measured by how many people you help, but how much money you can make.

Answer 4

Major leagers can make big bucks because fans will
pay big bucks for seats to watch, or admission to the
golf course grounds, and then they can use that money
which really amounts up, to pay the pro-players. Un-
fortunately, cities can't make that much money to pay
policeman and firefighters the big bucks as taxpayers
money is used for that and people don't want to pay any
higher taxes. It's just that simple even tho those that
deserve more, get less. We just have to thank and praise
those who save lives more, as they truly appreciate that.

Answer 5

if you are a typical American and it seems you are from the answers on this question,there is the reason America is going down the tubes, "STUPIDITY'' COPS AND FIREMEN ARE NOT CLASSIFIED IN INSURANCE CATEGORIES AS DANGEROUS , as their death rates or injuries are considerably lower than construction workers , farmers, etc, they are in the same category as taxi drivers for insurance purposes , and the insurance company's keep accurate records, so they know what to charge in premiums, they do not take any chances and the courts have ruled they are not obligated to protect you , just count how many cops and firemen are in this country and then see how many die or are injured in the line of duty,compare that with other trades that will give you your answer, sure some are injured or killed same as any other trade or business , and it is usually when they have screwed with some one to the point the victim gets so pissed he shoots them or? their own fault ,and if they are to make a arrest they usually have 20 cops available to arrest one 70 y/o woman and then the shoot her 50 times to make sure she won't harm them, as they did in L,A.recently,
they have a pretty cushy job riding around in a warm or air conditioned car drinking free coffee earning from $42,000 to over $70,000 per year, but, they do have one hell of a union and P.R.
COMMITTEE, this is our HERO'S

Answer 6

Statistically police work is safer than many professions including construction and farming.

Why is $42,000 for a high school diploma and 9 weeks of police academy too little? Cops make way too much and are rarely properly trained.

Sports are even worse.

http://bostonworks.boston.com/photo_gallery/dangerous/index.shtml

Answer 7

Because it is more important to have illiterate players than well paid police, teachers, sanatery workers, nurses, and many others who keep society together.

Answer 8

big business it's a Private sector of our society . but i do believe the good cops should be pad more than what they are getting now but that go with out saying so do our school teachers

Answer 9

because people are willing to pay to see sports figures work...and choose to distract and entertain themselves, rather than take a look at what is really going on in the world.

Answer 10

If your not a felon and can pass their tests, your in. Doesn't take much brains to drive around all day, or jump out and run for a few blocks. They are glorified paper pushers that have a chip on their shoulder. Yuk! I don't know how anyone could be married to these ^^^holes.