What belief about high-priced sports stars is challenged by the sports editor's statement?

The correct answer challenges the belief that high-priced sports stars consistently maintain a peak level of physical fitness and performance. By suggesting that they may often be out of shape or injured, the statement casts doubt on the commonly held assumption that athletes who command high salaries are always delivering exceptional athletic performance. This implies that the expectations regarding their fitness and overall contribution to the team may be overly optimistic or unrealistic, highlighting that financial investment in athletes does not always correlate with their physical condition or readiness to compete at the highest level. This notion encourages a more nuanced view of athlete performance, recognizing that high earnings do not guarantee consistent excellence or fitness.