Athletes are known to get monster contracts when they’re at their prime. Take, for instance, this NBA off-season, with Kevin Love signing a $110 million dollar contract among many other players signing “big money” contracts. However, to some NBA players, millions aren’t enough. This off-season, Josh Smith signed a contract worth $6.9 million, then proceeded to make a comment that this lower salary will be “harder on his family.” Can you believe that?
$6.9 million, to most people, is a lot of cash. To think about the number of homeless that could help is flabbergasting. If you handled your money correctly, that could go a long way. Yet, here is Josh Smith telling the public that "At the end of the day, you know, I do have a family," he said. "So it is going to be a little harder on me this year. But I'm going to push through it, you know... I made a decision for me and my family." For your family? 6.9 million for your family? I’m sorry that we can’t all bring home that much in a year, but that’s a tad insulting to those struggling to make ends meet.
Enter Gainesville, among tons of other cities, with people in need. People struggle daily just to get food to put on the table, living off dollars a day. I work at Three Rivers Legal Services, a non-profit firm that helps those under the poverty level, and these people are in true need. The people I help, unfortunately, do not have the means to pay an attorney, much less support themselves month-to-month. It breaks my heart to see panhandlers on the side of the road back home as well. Though some may be frauds, there are many genuine people trying to support their families. So for Josh Smith to say he made a decision for his family is preposterous. He can sign a contract with most teams for at least a million for a year of play, and that is more than some people will see in a lifetime.
Although it seems like an attack, I believe it is just a false understanding of wealth distribution. At one point, many of these athletes started in poverty, just like the people I am writing about. So I can understand why they are doing what is best for their families, providing opportunities that many of these players were not presented with when they were younger. They worked to get where they are today, and I respect that. They’re paid a lot for a reason: they have incredible talent. I was just enraged by the comment that it is not enough to make a few million, because people struggle everyday. Athletes that haven’t “hit their prime” aren’t making the millions yet, but they’re not complaining. People making just enough to get by rarely complain, as well. Thus, why are we hearing a complaint from someone who makes more than we can in a year? He should feel honored for the privilege of honing his skills, and making money doing what he loves. Instead, he spins the truth says its for his family; the age old excuse used to cover your greed.
