Hartley Miller's Slap-Shots July 6th Edition

By Hartley Miller

In this country, July 1^st is known as Canada Day.  In the NHL, this day is reserved for the beginning of the free agent frenzy.

Annually, on this date, free agents can begin to switch teams and capitalize on available cash. A number of these players did not waste any time signing with new teams including big names such as: Scott Gomez  and Chris Drury at over 7 million per season with the New York Rangers; Daniel Briere at 6.5 million with the Philadelphia Flyers; Ryan Smyth at 6.2 million with the Colorado Avalanche; Paul Kariya at 6 million with the St. Louis Blues; and Brian Rafalski, also at six million with the Detroit Red Wings. Of course, many hockey fans will ponder the age old question--Are pro athletes overpaid?

Professional sport is about making money.  The “New NHL” includes a salary cap that keeps getting raised, and is currently sitting at just over $50 million.  Players like Briere and Jason Blake ($4 million a season with Toronto) have stated that they signed a contract with their respective new teams because of the new team’s commitment to win. Both of these players left playoff teams and have signed with non-playoff clubs, so let’s not kid ourselves, they signed for monetary reasons.  

In general, although I am likely in the minority, I have always believed that pro athletes are worth every penny they take home. Like it or not, pro sports is an entertainment business, and the athletes are at the very top of their field. If an actor, actress, or late night show comedian can earn multi million dollar contracts, with little opposition, then why is the public opposed to the entertainer in the sports arena who earns millions of dollars? 

Pro athletes face intense pressure. The sports season does not last 12 months, but athletes in this day and age are committed for the entire year including a rigorous schedule of off season training.  In addition, these athletes lack job security and have to compete for their jobs on a yearly basis. There is always someone younger, stronger, willing and eager to take their spot on a roster. As well, their career is generally short, which means they don’t have a big window to earn seven figures. These are enormous challenges that the average everyday person does not encounter. 

In some sports, the revenue does not generate “big” contracts.  For instance, in the CFL, average players earn slightly more than working man’s wages. A top CFL player’s salary doesn’t compare with a bottom NHL player’s salary because the revenue in the CFL is considerably less. Due to lack of fan interest, Canadian soccer players get paid next to nothing unless they are good enough to go to Europe.   In other words, economics in these leagues is driven by supply and demand.

If the NHL started to pay CFL wages, guess who the big winners would be?  Yes, it would be the owners. However, fans don’t attend games to watch fancy dressed (“suits”) owners sit in the press box. They pay good dollars to watch good athletes.  Fans are willing to pay the “big bucks” to be entertained, so monetary rewards should go directly to the athletes who sacrifice their bodies on a nightly basis.

It is easy to complain about what others earn. If one wants to earn a six figure salary, then it is incumbent on them to find a field, and educate themselves. Yes, couch potatoes can bellyache, but jealousy should not obstruct a reasonable point of view.  In other words, if somebody is willing to pay the money, then the person on the receiving end must be a worthy recipient.

From the quote rack:

“The winner ate 59.5 hot dogs in 12 minutes. But on the other hand, it’s nice to see Rosie O’Donnell bouncing back." 

Late Show host David Letterman, on an American breaking the world record for hot-dog eating.

“A huge dust storm thousands of miles across has broken out on Mars. They’re calling it Martian Tropical Storm Piniella.”

Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

“Still can’t get over pudgy, chain-smoking Angel Cabrera edging fitness freak Tiger Woods for the U.S. Open title. It was like watching a movie starring Danny DeVito and Denzel Washington, and DeVito gets the girl.”

Greg Cote of the Miami Herald

“I bought a Stairmaster. I stare at it every day."

Former NBA player Charles Barkley, on his exercise program.  

“Red used to never have a curfew. I asked him why he never had a curfew. He said, ’Because I have to be there to enforce it.’ "

NBA Hall of Famer Bill Russell on what life on the road was like when Red Auerbach coached the Boston Celtics.

And in case you missed it:

One for the Ages. A record seven pitchers who are 40-plus (the Yankees’ Roger Clemens, 44, the Phillies’ Jamie Moyer, 44, the Tigers’ Kenny Rogers, 42, the Padres’ Greg Maddux, 41, the Mets’ Tom Glavine, 41, the Astros’ Woody Williams, 41, and the Braves’ John Smoltz, 40) were on the mound in the major leagues on Wednesday, June 27^th.

And how was your week?

Hartley Miller is the sports director for radio stations 94X and the Wolf@97fm. He also writes for the PG Free Press. Send along a quote, note or anecdote to hmiller@94xfm.com

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