Pro athletes live in a different world than the rest of us. Their biggest focus is using their skills to get them to the highest level possible.
Similar to most of society, they are programmed to believe that money will bring them happiness; However, like the rest of society, they aren't taught how money really works, and most people, regardless of occupation, aren't going out of their way to figure it out.
Pro athletes aren't as selfish and dumb as society tries to paint them. They're just as unaware and selfish as average folk, except pro athletes are given a lot more money, responsibility, and attention at an earlier age.
We know more about their lives than our own co-workers.
This makes it easy for us to judge from our computers.
Many of them put in hours on and off the court, just to get a shot. Most young people in their position, coming into large sums of money, are going to want to reward themselves, and show out for family and friends. Most people in these situations take it further than necessary.
People generally grow up wanting to emulate the top athlete and entertainer lifestyles. We want the homes, cars, clothes, and other accessories that are not really necessary. Regular people tend to grow out of it once reality sets in, some are in crazy debt right now trying to keep up with the joneses. Pro athletes perception of reality is oftentimes skewed.
99% of the time, I don't blame them.
Anybody can get got. Look at most mlms, start-up businesses, stocks, pension plans, casinos, lotto tickets, 2009, and all the people that get screwed putting too much trust in related institutions.
Anybody can get got, no matter what your status in society is.