Some pros on ineligible list for workers comp benefits. (professional athletes; workers' compensation)

If Sammy Sosa were to sustain a career-ending injury, the right fielder for the Chicago Cubs would be entitled to $760.51 tax-free per week in workers compensation benefits - the maximum allowed under Illinois' workers comp statutes.

But if Gary Sheffield were to sustain the same career-ending injury, the Florida Marlins' right fielder would not receive state workers comp benefits and would have to rely on other means.

Although Illinois and many other states regard professional athletes as just another class of employee entitled to workers comp benefits for on-the-job…