3 Miami Athletes Amongst Highest-Paid
MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – Sports Illustrated released its "Fortunate 50" athletes in the country, which is determined by how much an athlete makes per year. Miami was well-represented by placing two athletes in the top 11, and all of the Big Three members of the Miami Heat in the top 50.
Miami Heat star LeBron James came in third on the list with a total earning of $44.5 million in 2011. That's broken down to $14.5 million in salary and another $30 million in endorsements. LeBron was the highest ranking non-golfer on the Fortunate 50 list.
A current New York Yankee, but who grew up in South Florida, came in at number 5 on the list. Alex Rodriguez pulled in a total of $36 million in 2011, which came from $32 million and $4 million in endorsements.
LeBron's running mate on the Miami Heat, Dwyane Wade, was ranked 11th on the list. Wade made $28.2 million. That amount was a combined salary of $14.2 million and $14 million in endorsements.
Finally, the third member of the Heat's Big Three, power forward Chris Bosh, rounded out the Fortunate 50 list coming in at number 50. Bosh made $14.5 million in salary and winnings and $1 million from endorsements to total $15.5 million in 2011.
The Big Three have player options in 2014-15 and 2015-2016 seasons that total $127 million.
