Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court

Big-Money Players and Coaches

Coaches are paid millions of dollars today and players make tens of millions of dollars. It started happening soon after I left UCLA, so I’m often asked if I’m envious. Folks say, “Coach Wooden, imagine what you could make today!”

It doesn’t concern me in the least. What concerns me is that over which I have some measure of control and I can’t control what others make or employers pay them. However, I can control whether or not I worry about it. And I don’t.

I have no say over how much somebody chooses to pay Shaquille O’Neal or anyone else. In fact, I’m happy if someone can earn that amount of money. It’s completely out of hand, but they have a right to take what is offered.

It’s simple. Don’t compare yourself to ...