Kidsday: Are pro athletes paid too much?

When you are on the couch doing your touchdown dance or watching baseball with your family, did you ever think of how much the athletes get paid? They get paid a lot, but is it too much or just right?

I surveyed fifth- and sixth-graders in my school to see what they thought about this question. A total of 58 said they are paid the right amount and 29 said they are overpaid. Most girls said pro athletes are paid too much, and most of the boys said they are paid the right amount.

Kids who believed they're paid too much said many pro athletes get paid more than the president. Is it really fair for all of these athletes to get a ton of money? How does it affect the world's economy? There are all these people without jobs, and the athletes get paid for what kids do every day in their backyard. With that much money, we can probably make more things in America and create more jobs. Not everyone watches baseball. To be paid that much and not have everyone watching it, the athletes should be paid less.

Kids who thought that athletes get the right pay said they deserve millions of dollars. They catch balls, throw balls and run extremely fast. They really do work hard. If you think about it, it isn't that much money if they are good. Also, they go to team practice every day and work really hard to keep their fans satisfied with their work. It can take a minute to do the sport, but it takes years of practice to master the sport. These athletes are professionals and are rewarded with money for their talent, whether it's on the court or in the field. They earn the money.

My grandpa and me

My grandpa, Ed Budd, has diabetes. He also has one real leg because he had to have the other one amputated. From my view, he is pretty cool and amazing. It all started when he was in the hospital for a very long time. He has gone through a lot. That's why I love him the most. Not because he has gone through so much, but that he stays strong. Also, he hasn't changed. He is still the funny bald guy I know and love. When he was in the hospital, he never changed.

One day, when he came to pick me up from school, he surprised me by being on two legs. He has an artificial leg. My life has changed, not for the worse, but for the better. He made me feel that anybody can do anything. Of course, it was hard, but we all made it out to be a happy ending. It also has made me aware that diet and exercise are so important. Instead of having the biggest slice of cake, I think smaller is OK. We used to ride bikes together, and we hope to do it again this spring.

-- MAX KIRBY/Kidsday Reporter