Athletes are considered greedy individuals who allow their salaries to drive up tickets prices, therefore a smaller audience is able to view a sports game live. This is a general stereotypical statement, but in the proper context, is there less criticism towards white athletes versus black athletes in regards to salaries?

This topic was brought to my attention because of the recent forced trade in the NFL by Eli Manning now of the NY Giants. Based on the pedigree of his father Archie, and brother Peyton, quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts and the 2003 NFL Co-MVP, Eli should be a great player. Eli recently signed a lucrative contract with his team. The reason the trade forced me to think about the subject was because of the family and the fact that his brother Peyton signed a 85 million dollar which may prevent his ace receiver Marvin Harrison from resigning with the team next year. Why is there not been much criticism towards Peyton Manning? No one can deny he is a future Hall of Famer, however his team cannot not go out and sign a quality free agent. The same criticism that was generated towards greats like Terrell Owens should be applied to Peyton Manning

There is a perception in sports, when a African American is more likely to be drafted, criticism is often attached to this athlete in regards to coming out of school early and their salaries. Cleveland Cavaliers Lebron James took a lot of criticism for not going to college and instead landing a job in the NBA. If he had gone to college got hurt his first year or any year, he would have been guaranteed a $25,000 a year job. The reason we go to college is to make money in the first place. If a child prodigy started an internet company and made $150,000 a year, and this kid decided not to go to college, who would complain!. Tennis, hockey, and baseball athletes do not always go to college. Lebron James is not only a great basketball talent, but he is very marketable. That is why he makes a lot of money. Even when Andre Agassi, Peyton Manning, and Michael Schumacher first started their careers in sports, where was the criticism; they were not making pennies!

Everyone who plays professional sports wants to get paid. What I am trying to make you think about, do not be quick to criticize a black athlete that you believe is greedy without looking at a white athlete that could be as well, especially in sports where minority athletes dominate, such as basketball or football. If most of us are honest with ourselves, many of us want to make millions like many athletes do.

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