Remember the days when only winners would get a trophy for their individual or team’s performance? In today’s “kinder, gentler” world, kids no longer have to rank among the best to receive some type of award. They don’t even have to be runner ups. All they really have to do is show up and participate to claim a shiny little statue at season’s end.
While that may sit well for many parents, it definitely doesn’t gel with Pittsburgh Steeler, James Harrison’s way of thinking. Apparently, the All-Pro linebacker is old school when it comes to his philosophy on earning anything worth getting in life. To drive home his belief, Harrison made his sons relinquesh the trophies they recently received for participation. Here’s what the NFL star had to say about the situation, along with the trophies that got sent packing.
“I came home to find out that my boys received two trophies for nothing, participation trophies! 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.” #harrisonfamilyvalues
