Do today’s athletes really understand the common man in today’s economic turbulent environment? I asked myself this question as I listened to Curtis Granderson’s interview on a local sports radio show today while driving home from an appointment. For those of you not familiar, Curtis Granderson is Detroit Tigers very popular centerfielder. Curtis represents everything that is right with today’s athlete, but my fear is he is one of the exceptions.

Reality is that many companies, large and small are hurting right now. There are plenty of frustrated and monetarily challenged (I’m so caught up in the pc lingo) sales professionals out there wondering how they’re going to make quota this month, this quarter. This in turn works up the ladder as you start getting disappointed sales managers and yes, even CEOs.

Before you know it, Dr. Smith isn’t going out to as many of those $400 dinners he use to enjoy. ‘Elective Surgery’ isn’t as lucrative when times are tough. No matter what you do for a living there is a good chance the 4th Q of 08 wasn’t your best income producing month. The Government has already earmarked 700B for what has been labeled “Bailouts”, and most experts are predicting more job loss, foreclosures, and unemployment heading into 09. According to an article written in Money Magazine times will get tougher before they rebound.

So how does this all relate to today's professional athlete?

Gary Vaynerchuk, at a very young age has taught or reminded many of us a very important message:

• Content is king,


• Care about your community and following


• Hustle your face off

Can A-Rod, who recently signed a $252 million contract really understand what's it like to be laid off, see business drop 50%, or deal with day to day financial struggles in today's new economic climate? We should never blame anyone in any industry for getting whatever pricetag an organization is willing to pay. We can argue the validity of contracts the players are getting another time. A-Rod is a name I chose based on the size of his contract, any sports fan could pick a few more that don't relate well with their fans thus creating all this resentment.

Accoriding to an article posted in CNNSI.com based on his batting statistics in 2000, Rodriguez’s new deal brings a fresh perspective to the term "money player." Were his contract in effect in 2001, Rodriguez would not only have received more than $190,000 per RBI or even 45,000 per at-bat, the four-time All-Star’s $25.2 million-a-year would have translated to $8,867 per pitch thrown his way.

A-Rod's Money
Breakdown based on 2000 stats: For every Home Run, Games, and RBI

Home Run
$614,634 for every Home Run he hits

He might not hit a ding dong every game but think about those games he hits TWO. Rounding the bases thinking, "I just made 1.2M today, not too shabby".

Game:
$170,270...for just showing up to the park. Doesn't seem too taxing.

RBI:
$190,909

Bases are loaded and instead of seeing his teammates stading on the bases, his vision turns to: Ferrai on 3rd, Small house on 2nd, and a beautiful sailboat on 1st. Hit a home run and he's the Price is Right winner!

Picture earning $190,000 for every blog you wrote? How many would you write and would YOU still be able to relate to the commoners?

Picture credited to: www.ingolfwetrust.com/.../Poulter%20finger.jpg