If you were writing an argumentative essay on professional athletes paid, and your claim was that professional athletes are NOT paid too much, which of the following would you include as evidence in your essay?
A.According to Newswire, every time a professional athlete plays, there is a chance of a career- ending injury, which means that athlete could be out of a job.
B.Athlete are cool and they need a lot of money.
C.According to an article in Bloomberg Businessweek, numerous athletes have had to file for bankruptcy due to poor choices with their money.
D.The National Basketball Players Association estimates that 6-8 percent of NBA players end up broke.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer to support the claim that professional athletes are not paid too much is A. According to Newswire, every time a professional athlete plays, there is a chance of a career-ending injury, which means that athlete could be out of a job.
Explanation:
When arguing that professional athletes are not overpaid, it is crucial to present evidence that emphasizes the unique challenges and risks associated with their profession. Option A effectively highlights the inherent risks that professional athletes face. Unlike many other careers, athletes often contend with the possibility of severe injuries that could end their careers in an instant. This reality justifies their high salaries, as these athletes must compensate for the uncertainty of their career longevity.
In contrast, Option B lacks depth and relevance; it simply states that “athletes are cool” and “need a lot of money” without any supporting argument or evidence. This subjective statement does not contribute to a rational discourse on the issue of athlete compensation.
Option C discusses athletes who file for bankruptcy due to poor financial choices, which can be interpreted as evidence of the dangers of high salaries. However, it does not directly support the argument that athletes are not overpaid. Instead, it suggests that despite their earnings, athletes might mismanage their finances, implying that their salaries are justified but poorly handled.
Option D states a statistic about NBA players who end up broke, which similarly undermines the argument that athletes are not paid excessively. While it presents a valid concern about financial literacy, it does not reinforce the notion that their high earnings are warranted given the risks and pressures of their profession.
Overall, Option A provides a compelling reason to argue against the perception of overcompensation for athletes by highlighting their vulnerability and the unique nature of their careers, thus supporting the claim effectively.