Athletes just spend their money carelessly, and make smart choices. First athletes buy things they don't need like a fancy cars and 100,000 dollar watch. They also buy so much stuff the go bankrupted after retirement. They also make disregardful financial decision. As you can see athletes spend money carelessly and buy random things.
Something that also goes on is the other jobs need more money. If there are professionals who help people struggling to pay finances, while athletes are living the high life.