Busted! Sosa Fined $87,400

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Oct 7, 2004 6:50PM

Sosa claimed he left Wrigley Field during the 7th inning of Sunday's season finale, but stadium security camera show he actually left the park at 1:35pm, 20 minutes after the game began.

As a result, Cubs GM Jim Hendry announced that team is fining Sosa $87,400 -- one day's pay. It's the largest fine in team history, and one that Sosa's expected to appeal. But Hendry justifies the fine, "Obviously, Sammy Sosa's actions are something we do not take lightly. It's certainly inexcusable for him not to be at the ballpark and dressed with his teammates... It will not be tolerated here."

It's not like that one day's pay will prevent you from being able to pay the rent, as it might for a teacher or police officer. The Sun-Times gives a little comparison of daily wages to show just how stratospheric Sosa's paychecks are:

• Retail banking executive $1,036
  
• Accountant $536
  
• Landscape architect manager $359
  
• High school teacher $179
  
• Policeman $166
  
• Fireman $138
  
• Newspaper reporter $114
  

Chicagoist agrees with Hendry on this one, Sammy. Keep your mouth shut and admit you fucked up. And when you join your new team next spring, try and put in an honest day's work for an honest day's pay -- remember you're making double daily what most people make in a year, to play a game.