"While Tyson would make big money against anyone he fights, the major money match will be against Spinks. He could make from $17 million to $20 million, while Spinks would get about $13.5 million.
"After the closed circuit television match against Spinks, plans call for Tyson to resume his seven-fight $26.5 million deal with HBO, a U.S. cable network."
By way of contrast, the United States paid its President a salary of $200,000 (U.S.) in the same year, 1988; and Canada's Prime Minister received $122,900 (Can.).
Why is a society willing to pay one man 85 to 160 times more than its President's or Prime Minister's annual salary to fight another person for a few minutes? Of what value to the leadership and betterment of a country is a professional boxer in comparision to its leader? What causes this tremendous distortion in financial payments?
Mrs. Sandmell has joined a local "Football Widows' Club." This group was formed to provide "a source of strength, fellowship, and tension-release for frustrated wives during the football season." During the football season, it appears, many families experience very stressful times. To many husbands and fathers, football reigns
|
|
How do the salaries paid to the famous professional sports figures reflect our society's idolization of them?
|
|
