The Value of Free Agency

Within the next few days American's will be celebrating the birth of our great nation. Parties, celebrations, and outdoor grilling are just a few of the festivities we can expect. But what we didn't realize was the fireworks have just started. At 12:01 AM E.S.T free agency began for the NBA. The "Summer of LeBron" has now officially begun. From the New Jersey Nets to the New York Knicks to the Chicago Bulls will do everything possible to lure one the greatest players in recent years to their teams.

My question, why do franchises attempt to invest so much on one person? Even though the question is rhetorical, the answer is simple, money. The caliber of talent and name alone fills the arenas. His endorsements fill the coffers of all of his sponsors. Children as well as adults worldwide idolize him for his basketball prowess. So why do we as humans put more value on a person who simply bounces a ball than a person who saves lives? Granted he is better at his profession than most and I could not accomplish on the court what he has accomplished. But realistically, do we as Americans have a free agency period for the top doctor in the US? Will towns across the country trade their best fireman to build a powerhouse fire company? The questions posed seem extraordinary, but need to have weight behind them. You see, I am not opposed to companies making money. Nor am I opposed to the "best" in the business receiving fair compensation, or at least working out the best deal. I am opposed to the seemingly unfairness in society.

LeBron jumped straight out of high school, no formal secondary education, and made millions prior to stepping on the court. If he has an off shooting night, reporters may give him a hard time, but he gets a pass. Not win a championship; he will try again next year. On the flipside, a doctor needs years of formal training. If a doctor has an off night, someone could die. They don't get to try again. You won't see a doctor having multimillion dollar endorsement deals, just their salaries and an oath to save lives.

Our society is failing because we value a person performing a triple double more than the person performing a triple bypass. Now the family of a bypass patient will certainly beg to differ on the other hand. Within the next seven days, teams across the county will play their hands with the hopes of landing the biggest "prize" imaginable. My hopes are one day someone will invest millions on the lifesavers.