Socialized Sports

"The average salary of an NFL player depends on several factors, such as how long he has played in the league, his perceived value to the team and even which team he plays on." The NFL consists of 32 clubs and each is allowed a maximum of fifty-three players. The average NFL player earns $1.1 million a year. A rookie earns a minimum of $310,000. A veteran 10-year player gets a minimum of $845,000. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger earned more than $27 million. Players average three years in the pros.

A Little Math
Thirty-two clubs times fifty-three players times $1.1 million equals $1.8 billion dollars. That's the total salary of the NFL players. Now imagine ten percent of that amount, $180 million dollars a year.

A Little Socialism
The NFL (or NFLPA) should tax all players ten percent of their salary. Imagine what could be done with that ten percent. That fund could do amazing things for football.

Old Players
It could start by providing a stipend for old players. Players who played professional football before salaries became large. It could help players who made some poor choices and became destitute.

Injured Players
Some players are own the road to a great career and receive unexpected career ending injuries. Other players sucumb to injuries long after their career ends. It could be knees or brain damage or back problems. It would be nice to provide something for them.

Future Players
It's a great amount of money. Money could be poured into development of future players all the way down to Pop Warner. It could buy equipment, build fields, fund competitions.

Research and Development
Finally, money could be invested in research into better equipment. Better helmets, lighter stronger pads and better shoes would be helpful. Investments could be made into cameras, instant replay and technology.

Good Will
Not only would such a fund have a huge impact on football, it would generate an amazing amount of good will among fans and the general public.

This system could be extended to any major team sport.