I know a couple of pro athletes, former pro athletes actually. It’s a job. They go through the stresses and joy like anyone with a job, high paying or lower level. Hell, one of them didn’t even like the sport he played. He was just really good at it and it paid well. Yes, it’s easier to empathize with those that don’t make millions of dollars. That makes sense. However, to think human beings are going to be all in because you (the collective you, not you personally) think they’re playing a “kids game” and you know you’d never let up is ridiculous on its face. Maybe because I’m in the sports world as a career I’ve become cynical. I assume most athletes are like everyone else and have days they’d rather not work sort of like the rest of us.
edit: And like in any field there are those that are highly motivated, those that are in the middle and those that are lazy. There are gung ho rookies and vets just trying to hang on and everything in between. I give points to Kopech for honesty and it would make me trust him more.