you sign them when you enter the work force as well. noone is forcing athletes or the rest of us to sign contracts against our will.

>the team “owns” their players unless they retire or get
>traded to another team.

incorrect. it's a business deal where both parties benefit. the team is paying you for your services. the team provides medical care and trainers, pays for your travel, etc. players are not working for free or against their will, they want to be there, because they chose to be there.

i can easily say that my job "owns" me as well, but my boss can't force me to come in to work if i choose not to. same thing applies with athletes.

what choice did any slave from any period in our history have?

>
>imagine coming into work and your boss is like “sorry, you
>work in Milwaukee now, we traded you”
>

plenty of workers are relocated each year.