James Harrison won’t let his sons accept participation trophies

[Jooser]

Saw this headline and couldn't help but smile!

[URL]http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/08/16/james-harrison-wont-let-his-sons-accept-participation-trophies/[/URL]

James Harrison won’t let his sons accept participation trophies

Posted by Michael David Smith on August 16, 2015, 9:19 AM EDT

Cincinnati Bengals v Pittsburgh Steelers
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Anyone who’s ever watched Steelers linebacker James Harrison play football knows that he’s an intense competitor who wants to win at all costs. So perhaps it shouldn’t be surprising that Harrison is passing along that intense competitiveness to his sons.

Harrison took to social media this weekend to lash out at the idea that his sons should receive participation trophies simply for playing sports, saying that when he found out his sons were given such trophies, he demanded that they be sent back. Harrison believes that a trophy should be something you earn by being the best, not something you receive just for trying.

“I came home to find out that my boys received two trophies for nothing, participation trophies!” Harrison wrote. “While I am very proud of my boys for everything they do and will encourage them till the day I die, these trophies will be given back until they EARN a real trophy. I’m sorry I’m not sorry for believing that everything in life should be earned and I’m not about to raise two boys to be men by making them believe that they are entitled to something just because they tried their best…cause sometimes your best is not enough, and that should drive you to want to do better…not cry and whine until somebody gives you something to shut u up and keep you happy.”

Harrison concluded with the hashtag, “Harrison Family Values.” In James Harrison’s household, there’s no credit given for just showing up. If you want a trophy, you’d better win.

[Sword]

Can I write him in on presidential ballot next year?

[Mr.wizard]

Kind of ironic coming from a guy who gets a sizeable paycheck for playing a game whether or not he wins or loses. I don't know why people get bent out of shape about participation trophies, as if there is something wrong with recognizing the all the people who put the work in.

[bostonsteeler]

Kind of ironic coming from a guy who gets a sizeable paycheck for playing a game whether or not he wins or loses. I don't know why people get bent out of shape about participation trophies, as if there is something wrong with recognizing the all the people who put the work in.

I think its the fact that its called a "trophy", indicating a victory of some kind. If they called it a "certificate" or some other form of acknowledgment of participation or effort, nobody would mind. Calling it a "trophy" runs the risk of informing impressionable kids that merely the act of participation puts them on the same pedestal as the kid who came first.

[Slapstick]

I don't know of any kid who thinks that. Children are acutely aware of who won.

[flippy]

When we're all dead, who cares who came in first or last. Winning is stupid in the grand scheme.

That said, I want another Lombardi in Pittsburgh

[bostonsteeler]

I don't know of any kid who thinks that. Children are acutely aware of who won.

Sure. Its the value attached to it that will diminish in their eyes. I'm not sure we want a nation of kids who feel victorious for being also-rans.

[feltdizz]

I don't know of any kid who thinks that. Children are acutely aware of who won.

they are also aware they participated.

[RuthlessBurgher]

When we're all dead, who cares who came in first or last. Winning is stupid in the grand scheme.

That said, I want another Lombardi in Pittsburgh

He who dies with the most toys...still dies.

[squidkid]

Kind of ironic coming from a guy who gets a sizeable paycheck for playing a game whether or not he wins or loses. I don't know why people get bent out of shape about participation trophies, as if there is something wrong with recognizing the all the people who put the work in.

kids that just stand out there get the same participation trophy as the ones that actually put the work in

[Mr.wizard]

kids that just stand out there get the same participation trophy as the ones that actually put the work in

Its not a trophy for just for playing hard, its a trophy for participating in the league. The league incentivizes so kids will continue to sign up, so the kids who are actually stars have a competitive league to play in. It rewards kids who show up to practices and games regardless of how good their team is, it shows character when you show up everyday even though you know you have no shot to win and there is nothing wrong with encouraging that. The idea that kids in a competitive sport will not want to win because they are going to receive a participation trophy is beyond ridiculous.

[Jooser]

He just wants his kids to not settle for mediocre. Hell, he sure has never done that. That's what made America great, striving to be the best. Nothing wrong with it. Harrison embodies the looked-down-upon guy who worked his arse off to be the best he can be. Trophies are reserved for those who work the hardest and commit to obtain that prize. Good for James.

[squidkid]

Its not a trophy for just for playing hard, its a trophy for participating in the league. The league incentivizes so kids will continue to sign up, so the kids who are actually stars have a competitive league to play in. It rewards kids who show up to practices and games regardless of how good their team is, it shows character when you show up everyday even though you know you have no shot to win and there is nothing wrong with encouraging that. The idea that kids in a competitive sport will not want to win because they are going to receive a participation trophy is beyond ridiculous.

thats what i said. anyone that simply signed up will get a trophy for participating. Matter of fact, I bet if the kid only showed up the day they handed out the trophies, one would be waiting for him. the price to play included the cost of the trophy.
to each their own, but my kid would find zero significance in a trophy that everyone got just for paying their sign up fee. that type of trophy says, ' you are are the same as everyone else in this league. the best player is equal to the worst, the kid that gave 100% everyday is the same as the one that picked dandy lions in the outfield during the game.'
thank goodness there are plenty of parents and kids that are satisfied with just participating, because the competitive kids need leagues in their area to compete in and develop their skills.
i choose to encourage my kids to participate to the best of their ability. if their ability gets rewarded as an individual, awesome. if it doesnt, i still am proud that they tried their hardest. they shouldnt have to get encouragement from a trophy, they should get it from mom and dad.

[Discipline of Steel]

ribbons are for participants, trophies are for winners.
i think the trophy makers industry started this lame trend

[Slapstick]

And, let's be honest:

That IG post was about James Harrison...not his kids...nor the league...