Two thoughts on Lou.s message. The article did not mention the tremendous gulf between the economic status of the players and fans -- except the celebrity fans. A couple weeks ago, if I remember correctly, Latrell Sprewell, was griping about a $14 million salary, explaining, "I've got to put food on the table for my family.. Unless he has more children than the typical NBA player, even a meager $14 million should suffice.
Also, the article discusses the racial makeup of fans and players. I remember reading an economics article explaining how teams like Salt Lake City, located in predominantly white areas, pay more for white bench sitters to not alienate fans by making basketball a black sport. Detroit was used, if I remember correctly, as a benchmark for having a greater black fan base. -- Michael Perelman Economics Department California State University Chico, CA 95929 Tel. 530-898-5321 E-Mail michael at ecst.csuchico.edu
