Do you think that sports stars should get such large amounts of money? like Tiger Woods,Ronaldo and Raikkenon?

[green_lantern66]

No, and I'm pretty sure that they all could live just as comfortable lives with $200 million in the bank instead of $500 million.

People in the sports industry think that they are the ones driving the show... and that isn't the case. You could be the greatest golfer, baseball player, whatever, but if no one is watching, you won't get paid as much. They need us as much as we need them, and if we stop

In golf, the pros are basically private contractors. For example if, because of the recession, the Masters was to drop the overall purse from $1.5 million to $1 million (using hypothetical numbers) they would have to take it or leave it. They can't negotiate a higher purse. Their only recourse would be to play in a European PGA event. That's actually what some of the American golfers- like Anthony Kim, Boo Weekley and Tiger Woods are doing- they go to Europe, Australia or China because not only do the get appearance fees, the payout to #2 is greater than in America right now (#2 is what US golfers shoot for- it justifies the appearance, pays big, and they don't have to return to defend the title if they find something better). Personally, it shows just how committed a golfer is to their fans when they're off chasing bigger paydays.

Baseball, football and other sports with unions are different. The union negotiates what a player will make. The TV and advertisers money numbers are always a factor, as is whoever is making the most money at the time at their position. Football and basketball has a salary cap, and that does curtail some spending to an extent, but not to creative cap savants. Baseball has the luxury tax- unless you're the Yankees, you're mindful of it, because no owner wants that hit to their income for being over $200 million in payroll.

Sports where players earn a contract would be handled differently than golf or boxing. Contracts have to be honored- but when they expire, anything could happen. Football's bargaining agreement is over after 2010- if things aren't better by then, expect a LOT of changes. Will the other sports follow suit? Will they be for the better? I know if payrolls were to be decreased and owners quit building billion dollar stadiums I'd be more inclined to go watch them in person. It definitely would be more affordable.