You make good points, Bear. However, this is only a mirror of our greater society as a whole. You can't like professional or even college sports and disregard the younger levels of play. At some point a fire had to be lit in an athlete to drive them to out-work the millions of other kids that started out playing that sport. Sports have become a very important aspect of life in America; along with rewards. It doesn't always make sense. Look at the CATS accountability system. We rewarded schools in prosperous districts with more money and funding and punished those in impoverished districts for factors beyond their control. It's America...the rich get richer! I mean it is totally messed up when we pay athletes millions; while a teacher in a single parent household can qualify for food stamps. But that's the way it is. Whether one likes these games or not. It is an honor and a great experience for those who get to participate. No, it doesn't mean they'll be the next Lebron James or Adrian Peterson or Derek Jeter. It does mean at that point in life they are good at what they are doing, that's all.