by Gloria Edmonson Nelson

Created on: November 07, 2009

How does one determine who the greatest athletes of 2009? In other words, what determines one's greatest? In sports, it is defined by the amount of money one makes which is supposed to be "tied" to one's performance. In the case of athletes; they are able to make a salary as well as to make money from endorsements from products; allowing them to make millions! The combination of these, of course, makes them the best allowing them to be listed in Forbes list of top earners. Some of the best for 2009 are:

TIGER WOODS - Pro Golder - He is the highest sports earner in the world. During the past 12 months, he made 110 million dollars; however, 92 million came from endorsements: Nike, Pepsico, and AT&T (to name a few). Kobe was considered the best paid sportsman for the past eight years. (Forbes.com/2009/08/10/tiger-woods)

PHIL MICHELSON - Pro Golfer - According to Forbes; he made 52 million including his salary plus endorsements from Rolex, Exxon, Barclay's, et al.

LEBRON JAMES - A young basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers. According to Wikipedia.org, Lebron's total salary is 42 million with 28 million from endorsements with Nike, Sprite, State Farm, et al. In 2007, Forbes listed him in the To 20 Earners Under 25; making 27 million. In 2008 Lebron James won a Gold Medal at the Beijing Olympics. He also stars in the movie; "More Than A Game," Lions Gate Film in 2009.

SHAQUILLE ONEAL - Famous basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers. His salary is listed as 35 million which includes 15 million from endorsements. He is in the final year of a five-year 100 million deal that was signed with Miami which was the largest ever signed with the NBA. (Sportsillustrated.cnn.com).

DAVID BACKHAM - Hockey player for the Los Angeles Galaxy. His total salary is 42 million with 10 million from endoresements.

KOBE BRYANT - Famous Los Angeles Laker basketball player whose salary with endorsements total 45 million.
The salary with the Laker's is 21 million with endorsements from Nike, Vitaminwater, Activision, etc. He also won a Gold Medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

ALEX RODRIGUEZ - He plays baseball for the New York Yankees. His salary is listed at 39 million including endorsements. Although the salary is listed at 33 million through 2010; it will be reduced to 20 million through 2017. (Sportsillustrated.cnn.com)

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