Professional Athlete Salaries

I can flat out say I probably couldn't survive without the existence of sports in today's world. I've played sports my whole life, and I'm a sports fanatic when it comes to football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and golf.  Growing up, my dream has always been to one day become a professional athlete.  Athletes make a living playing the sport they are passionate about, and they make more money than most professions.  For example, Alex Rodriguez, third baseman for the New York Yankees, signed a 10-year 252 million dollar contract back in 2000.  Superstar Los Angeles Lakers guard, Kobe Bryant, makes just over 20 million dollars per year from the contract he signed, and that's not including the 30 million dollars he makes per year from endorsements.  Meanwhile, the average teacher only makes about $40,000 - $45,000 per year. Last year, the average doctor salary ranged from $156,000 - $315,000 per year.  These athletes’ high salaries have created a large debate in our world today.  Why should athletes make more money than doctors who save lives every day?  Why should athletes get paid more than teachers who educate the future leaders of our country?  I agree with the critics in this arguemnt.  We couldn't survive without doctors, teachers, and congressmen, but yet they still don't get paid nearly what some athletes do these days.  I understand the sports industry produces a lot of money for our economy, but that's not important as saving lives and educating young people in my eyes.