no participation trophies for James Harrison's kids

[ejs23]

James Harrison of Pittsburgh Steelers takes away kids' participation trophies, says awards must be earned (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13447657/james-harrison-pittsburgh-steelers-takes-away-kids-participation-trophies-says-awards-earned)

"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"

[Peties Army]

Good for him.

Watch last months real sports. Actual studies showing just showing up trophies are bad for kids.

[Cavaliercards]

People keep talking about these participation trophies, but I remember 15-20 years ago leagues gave away trophies to every player on every team too. Seems like now it is just newsworthy.

[majestik101]

James Harrison just earned bonus points in my book. Not every kid is deserving of orange slices or trophies.

[Crazybella8]

James Harrison just earned bonus points in my book. Not every kid is deserving of orange slices or trophies.

Orange slices are a good snack for after the game! You don't want the kids to get sick or go hungry do you?

[hairysasquatch]

James Harrison just earned bonus points in my book. Not every kid is deserving of orange slices or trophies.

I would distinguish between orange slices and trophies myself.

[majestik101]

Orange slices are a good snack for after the game! You don't want the kids to get sick or go hungry do you?

Eh. The salt and nutrients contained in tears were good enough for me growing up.

[Peties Army]

I would distinguish between orange slices and trophies myself.
Yes I don't see what he is talking about

No one is saying don't give them food. Just don't give them all trophies.

[JMarchand1981]

I read this earlier today. I HATED James Harrison the football player. This guy is the KING when it comes to fathers though in terms of this topic.

[fazzle]

I hope he teaches his kids the right way to earn their trophies



By being BS cheap shot artists who always go for the head

[IronMonkey415]

Father of the Year in my book.

[da_bears]

Father of the Year in my book.

Titus O'Neil already won that trophy.

MILLIONS OF DOLLAS! MILLIONS OF DOLLAS!

[xbignick]

"I came home to find out that my boys received two trophies for nothing"

nothing=/=participating

"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. "

Why don't you let them decide? Why do you have to call out your kids and make this a public situation? Why do we even know this happened?

"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."

They were though - they got trophies....for participating.

"not cry and whine until somebody gives you something to shut u up and keep you happy. "

They didn't do this.

'cause sometimes your best is not enough, and that should drive you to want to do better"

This seems like a 110% comment...

"#harrisonfamilyvalues"

Isn't this the guy who hit his girlfriend and broke her phone so she couldn't call for help?

[xbignick]

People keep talking about these participation trophies, but I remember 15-20 years ago leagues gave away trophies to every player on every team too. Seems like now it is just newsworthy.

Ideas been around for ages, right? Just another case of this generation > next that's been around for only a couple thousand years.

[trixstar]

The truth is more times than not the parents want the trophy more than the kid does.

[HBMC]

nothing=/=participating

Handing out trophies for participation and not for winning cheapens success in something that matters. It's smart of him to incentivize success.


"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."

They were though - they got trophies....for participating.

Which is a ludicrous standard.

[JohnRyno]

Where are all the people complaining about Michael Sam threads. This is far less interesting. And Harrison is still a cheap shot doucher.

[xbignick]

Handing out trophies for participation and not for winning cheapens success in something that matters. It's smart of him to incentivize success.



Which is a ludicrous standard.

In your mind there are winners and losers. These are kids, not adults. You forget the other group - the one that doesn't play.

Anyway, is it needed? I'm not saying it is, but acting like kids are these idiots who can't read the reason why they received a trophy is ludicrous.

For wanting them to be such strong people he made a decision for them and made it public, great job by him.

[xbignick]

They should make all NFL contracts incentive-based.

[trixstar]

They should make all NFL contracts incentive-based.

As soon as they start making the owners Salary's based on how well the organization does.

[speedyjg13]

I think the top 3 teams should get a trophy. All other teams get nothing.

[xbignick]

Man...today's society.

All athletes, functionaries and participants receive a participant’s medal not to be mistaken for winners’ or memorial medals. These are being provided since the first modern Olympic Games and form a key part of all Olympic collections. The rarest among them are the ones of St.Louis 1904, Chamonix 1924, Lake Placid 1932 and Stockholm 1956. These beautiful examples are missing in my collection, too.

http://www.theolympicdesign.com/deu/olympic-collection/classification/participation-medals/images/01PartM.jpghttp://www.theolympicdesign.com/deu/olympic-collection/classification/participation-medals/images/02PartM.jpg

[phinzphan1372]

Ive been saying this for a loooooong time that the Participation ribbon / trophies are what has led to the puss-ification of america .... used to be trophies for 1 - 2 and 3rd place and everyone else got a macaroni dinner and a "See ya next season" .... teach kids how to win and LOSE and try harder and fight harder to win next time .... getting some-thing for just showing up is the same as bobble-head night at the local minor league team's promo night!

[Peties Army]

They should make all NFL contracts incentive-based.

What are they talking about they are?

You suck one year and you are Thought to be overpaid you're gone. Seems incentive based to me.

[ejs23]

Why don't you let them decide?

Because, as a parent, it's his job to raise and teach them.

It's not about this particular issue, it's how these lessons will serve them later in life.


This seems like a 110% comment...

Actually, if you're familiar with Harrison's career his comment makes sense. He was a walk-on at Kent State, undrafted in the NFL, spent a couple years on the practice squad, cut 3x by the Steelers, played in NFL Europe, signed and cut by the Raves, then finally signed back to the Steelers.... where finally he'd become an all-pro, super bowl winner, defensive player of the year, etc.

He may have been giving his best early on... but he had to get better to achieve success.




Where are all the people complaining about Michael Sam threads. This is far less interesting. And Harrison is still a cheap shot doucher.

yet you took the time to read and comment on this thread.

and by "cheap shot doucher" obviously you mean "guy who doesn't wear a skirt while playing."

[wheeler281]

Whatever he wants to do with his children is up to him. I do not care either way. The world does not have to assimilate to become a Utopian society. Some are for it some are against it. I do not understand how this is news.

[MasterPattie]

A little off topic, but still related...

Some little league coaches have a tradition of taking their teams out to get ice cream after their game, win or lose.

What if the coach said to the kids, "we win, we go out for ice cream after than game. We lose, no ice cream, we just go home."

What do you think of that?

[asujbl]

Remember when he kicked down the door to slap his GF but it was 2008 so no one remembers? Good times.

[Siberian13]

Remember when he kicked down the door to slap his GF but it was 2008 so no one remembers? Good times.

Seems like a while ago if that happened in 2008. Maybe you should go see him and talk out your issues?

[EB31]

Goio for him! I agree 100%

[wheeler281]

Remember when he kicked down the door to slap his GF but it was 2008 so no one remembers? Good times.

Yeah that was before he turned Mohammed Massaquoi into a vegetable. Good time :coffee:

[Athey49]

Does he have a problem when every player on the SB winning team gets a bonus and a ring even though they never played?

[Lockdown32]

Never understood the sudden hate for every kid getting a trophy all of a sudden. They have been doing this since I was a kid 25 years ago. Every sport I played was because I wanted to and the trophy was a bonus. Let kids be kids. Whether they do it for the trophy or because they enjoy the sport. They are getting exercise, learning, and maybe even having fun. That is what it is about.

[chitownbears22]

Never understood the sudden hate for every kid getting a trophy all of a sudden. They have been doing this since I was a kid 25 years ago. Every sport I played was because I wanted to and the trophy was a bonus. Let kids be kids. Whether they do it for the trophy or because they enjoy the sport. They are getting exercise, learning, and maybe even having fun. That is what it is about.

What makes me laugh is when 40-50 year olds complain about this "entitlement" generation. Do they realize they were the people that created that generation?

[hreed2]

Never understood the sudden hate for every kid getting a trophy all of a sudden. They have been doing this since I was a kid 25 years ago. Every sport I played was because I wanted to and the trophy was a bonus. Let kids be kids. Whether they do it for the trophy or because they enjoy the sport. They are getting exercise, learning, and maybe even having fun. That is what it is about.

I'm with this train of thought. I remember getting trophy's when I was a little kid and not even careing unless it was for an actual achievement. If it was just a participation trophy or medal I'd just throw it away, I'd only keep anything that was 3rd place or above or an individual achieve.

[RW3FAN]

Man...today's society.

All athletes, functionaries and participants receive a participant’s medal not to be mistaken for winners’ or memorial medals. These are being provided since the first modern Olympic Games and form a key part of all Olympic collections. The rarest among them are the ones of St.Louis 1904, Chamonix 1924, Lake Placid 1932 and Stockholm 1956. These beautiful examples are missing in my collection, too.

http://www.theolympicdesign.com/deu/olympic-collection/classification/participation-medals/images/01PartM.jpghttp://www.theolympicdesign.com/deu/olympic-collection/classification/participation-medals/images/02PartM.jpg

I think that you can look at it many ways.

I've run 30 marathons and a 31 mile (50k) trail race.
They give out finshers medals. Once I finished 3rd in a smaller marathon.

I don't look at the medal as success like "I won", but I'll be darned if I didn't want the medal because I didn't win.
I have them hanging up displayed proudly for all the hard work I put in going from 225 lbs to 160 in 6 months. I ran my first marathon 11 months later on only 7 months of running.

So is me being proud of those medals "pussification" just because I didn't win?

[RW3FAN]

Remember when he kicked down the door to slap his GF but it was 2008 so no one remembers? Good times.

Petridge Farms remembers, and so do I.
Great roll model for his kids. LOL

[panther252]

I think that you can look at it many ways.

I've run 30 marathons and a 31 mile (50k) trail race.
They give out finshers medals. Once I finished 3rd in a smaller marathon.

I don't look at the medal as success like "I won", but I'll be darned if I didn't want the medal because I didn't win.
I have them hanging up displayed proudly for all the hard work I put in going from 225 lbs to 160 in 6 months. I ran my first marathon 11 months later on only 7 months of running.

So is me being proud of those medals "pussification" just because I didn't win?

Nah, I think he was being sarcastic on how participation medals/trophies have been around for a while now and not just this "entitled" generation that everyone seems to think.

Also, congrats on your accomplishments and weight loss!

[twisty571]

eh. The salt and nutrients contained in tears were good enough for me growing up.

post of the year! :D :)!

[twisty571]

A little off topic, but still related...

Some little league coaches have a tradition of taking their teams out to get ice cream after their game, win or lose.

What if the coach said to the kids, "we win, we go out for ice cream after than game. We lose, no ice cream, we just go home."

What do you think of that?

Actually that is how my LL coach was! No joke!

[MasterPattie]

Actually that is how my LL coach was! No joke!

How did you feel about it?

Was the team/parents ok with it?

[phinzphan1372]

A little off topic, but still related...

Some little league coaches have a tradition of taking their teams out to get ice cream after their game, win or lose.

What if the coach said to the kids, "we win, we go out for ice cream after than game. We lose, no ice cream, we just go home."

What do you think of that?

The ice cream as a team thing goes is for team building and getting the kids to interact with the other kids in a non sport manner ... Helping to create a bond ... Shouldn't be used as an incentive

[Ray27Ray52]

My daughter is 9 and really has no interest in competitive sports. My son, who is 3, may someday. Regardless, neither of them will receive a trophy that they do not deserve as long as I am their parent.

[go_steelers07]

My daughter is 9 and really has no interest in competitive sports. My son, who is 3, may someday. Regardless, neither of them will receive a trophy that they do not deserve as long as I am their parent.

even tee-ball?

Participation trophies are okay up to a point.... once a kid hits Little League age, that's when I think the trophies should be reserved for the best teams/players.

same goes with Football/Basketball..... elementary school trophies okay, but middle school and up not okay....

[cdub6238]

even tee-ball?

Participation trophies are okay up to a point.... once a kid hits Little League age, that's when I think the trophies should be reserved for the best teams/players.

same goes with Football/Basketball..... elementary school trophies okay, but middle school and up not okay....

i agree with this...

i dont understand how this translates to "entitlement/cupcake/pussyfication" generation...

shouldnt that be on the parents to instill values, i dunno...by parenting maybe? :confused:

my daughter started playing softball this year, shes 7. At the end of the "season" the coach handed out "participation medals" to every player and said something about them...ill never forget the look and smile on her face as she enjoyed it so much and even wants to play fall ball...

isnt that exactly what its bout at that age? to encourage and have fun and get them interested to keep playing?..and hey maybe once it does get more competitive, if you want to get better and win, then go from there

are people really concerned with their kids winning at such a young age and not letting them actually be kids? :confused:

[duwal]

So is James going to give back his Super Bowl XL ring since he was barely even participating during the season/in the playoffs? Or are the rules different when it is something involving HIS merits?

[The Card Album]

While I'm against the coddling and pussification of our youth, I see nothing wrong with a souvenir for kids to remember their time in a league, camp, etc. Everybody gets a trophy, to me, isn't when an entire league gets a participation trophy. It's when they give ribbons to last place that have "Superstar" on them.

James Harrison is a twat, regardless of this article.

[lobo_hacker]

-This is one of those areas that no one really wants or likes the actual answer regarding the giving out of tangible rewards to all participants. So, instead of trying to explain how idiotic Mr. Harrison is for the way he handled this thing and how obvious it is he didn't actually research his alpha-male reaction to his child's activities and what effect they actually have on a child, i'll just say kids these days are wimps and that my generation would never have put up with this sort of thing.

lobo_hacker, who walked to grade school, up hill both ways, in snow, without a phone to keep him company

[blackbears86]

My friends kids who are both 9 (twins) split their ribbons/trophies up. They put the "fake" ones (participation) in their closet and the "real" ones on the shelves.

[SteelPen2]

I read this earlier today. I HATED James Harrison the football player. This guy is the KING when it comes to fathers though in terms of this topic.

Were you this guy?

http://i.imgur.com/aMK0Nz0.gif

:eek::D

[RW3FAN]

I wonder if he gave back his SB XL ring because he barely even played that season.

[ejs23]

A little off topic, but still related...

Some little league coaches have a tradition of taking their teams out to get ice cream after their game, win or lose.

What if the coach said to the kids, "we win, we go out for ice cream after than game. We lose, no ice cream, we just go home."

What do you think of that?

kids got to eat. nothing wrong with feeding them after a game, win or lose.


So is James going to give back his Super Bowl XL ring since he was barely even participating during the season/in the playoffs? Or are the rules different when it is something involving HIS merits?

what are you talking about? he played that year and in the SB. and when did he say that a kid should be denied a team trophy based on individual performance? his feelings on this were perfectly clear.

[SpastikMooss]

what are you talking about? he played that year and in the SB. and when did he say that a kid should be denied a team trophy based on individual performance? his feelings on this were perfectly clear.

So, this is NBA, but Adam Morrison deserved his NBA title? Because I believe that James Harrison would say that Morrison did not. Not even close.

Earning a Super Bowl ring, or World Series ring, or whatever, as a guy who contributes next to nothing, is basically the same as a participation trophy. Oh goodie...you were on this team kind of when we won...so here's a ring.

In the 2005 season, Harrison started 3 games and his Super Bowl contribution was 3 special teams tackles. The Steelers won the Super Bowl that year. Was it all because of Harrison? Heck no. He was no chump...he gave his all...but he wasn't really more important than the 30th or 35th best guy on the team that year. But he got a ring. And a lot of lesser guys on the team got rings too. Did they deserve them? Did they truly earn them? because that's what Harrison's rant on participation trophies was all about...truly earning what you get. And I really doubt if he'd say he and others earned than 2005 with their limited statistical contributions.

[ejs23]

Many here are missing the point by a mile.

Harrison is teaching his kids a life lesson. He wants to prepare them for the real world, where everyone doesn't get a trophy just for showing up.

When his kids are in college and/or the workplace, hopefully these lessons will serve them well. They'll work hard because they don't feel entitled to an "A" or a promotion or raise. They'll know they have to earn it.

[SpastikMooss]

Many here are missing the point by a mile.

Harrison is teaching his kids a life lesson. He wants to prepare them for the real world, where everyone doesn't get a trophy just for showing up.

When his kids are in college and/or the workplace, hopefully these lessons will serve them well. They'll work hard because they don't feel entitled to an "A" or a promotion or raise. They'll know they have to earn it.

Everyone gets your point...you're just not really thinking about anyone's counters to that point. You just think what you think and refuse to analyze it.

Starting 3 regular season games and making 3 special teams tackles in the Super Bowl, in the grand scheme of life, isn't much more than "just showing up." I think Harrison would agree.

And like I said, there were man guys on that 2005 Steelers team who did less.

The 53rd best player on the 2005 Steelers...does that guy deserve a ring? Do you think Harrison would think they do?

No one just "Shows up." Most everyone works...but not everyone can place or make a true impact. So do we only give trophies to the select few who do the dirty work? Or do the small timers earn it too?

I stand by the Adam Morrison mention too. Morrison won BACK TO BACK NBA championships where he played 39 total games, 289 total minutes, and scored 84 total points. He played 6.5 total minutes in the playoffs. Yet he has two NBA rings, LITERALLY for just showing up. Is that right?

[ejs23]

So, this is NBA, but Adam Morrison deserved his NBA title? Because I believe that James Harrison would say that Morrison did not. Not even close.

Earning a Super Bowl ring, or World Series ring, or whatever, as a guy who contributes next to nothing, is basically the same as a participation trophy. Oh goodie...you were on this team kind of when we won...so here's a ring.

In the 2005 season, Harrison started 3 games and his Super Bowl contribution was 3 special teams tackles. The Steelers won the Super Bowl that year. Was it all because of Harrison? Heck no. He was no chump...he gave his all...but he wasn't really more important than the 30th or 35th best guy on the team that year. But he got a ring. And a lot of lesser guys on the team got rings too. Did they deserve them? Did they truly earn them? because that's what Harrison's rant on participation trophies was all about...truly earning what you get. And I really doubt if he'd say he and others earned than 2005 with their limited statistical contributions.

Terrible analogy all the way around.

First, it's clear he wasn't judging his kids' individual contributions. His point is that a TEAM who didn't win doesn't deserve a trophy.

As for Harrison personally.... he only started 3 games in 2005 but he played in 16 games. And 3 special teams tackles matter. He contributed to their win. But even guys who didn't get in the game contributed.... it's a TEAM sport. Maybe they contributed during the season, or push and prepare the starters in practice. The Steelers won the SB that year.... Roethlisberger and a handful of starters didn't win it on their own.

A better analogy here would be what if the Steelers had lost that SB but the NFL gave them a trophy and rings anyway. If Harrison had kept those, then he'd be a hypocrite. But, in the NFL just like in life.... everyone doesn't get a trophy.

[ejs23]

Everyone gets your point...you're just not really thinking about anyone's counters to that point. You just think what you think and refuse to analyze it.

Starting 3 regular season games and making 3 special teams tackles in the Super Bowl, in the grand scheme of life, isn't much more than "just showing up." I think Harrison would agree.

And like I said, there were man guys on that 2005 Steelers team who did less.

The 53rd best player on the 2005 Steelers...does that guy deserve a ring? Do you think Harrison would think they do?

No one just "Shows up." Most everyone works...but not everyone can place or make a true impact. So do we only give trophies to the select few who do the dirty work? Or do the small timers earn it too?

I stand by the Adam Morrison mention too. Morrison won BACK TO BACK NBA championships where he played 39 total games, 289 total minutes, and scored 84 total points. He played 6.5 total minutes in the playoffs. Yet he has two NBA rings, LITERALLY for just showing up. Is that right?

No. You clearly do not get the point. As for those counters... Harrison's domestic dispute arrest, or his "cheap shots," or his own SB rings have nothing to do with anything. It's just haters grasping at straws.

Yes. Harrison would say the 53rd man deserves a ring. Because the ring isn't for personal performance.... it's for the TEAM. how is this not getting through?

You're trying to redirect the entire point by making it about individuals. But you're right about one thing... "most everyone works." And that's why when their team wins, they all deserve that trophy. Even if they contributed at different levels... they all still contributed. There are other awards for personal contributions.

As for Adam Morrison... he was on the team, he played, he contributed. Therefore it's not even a question, he deserves a ring.

But again.... None of this has anything to do with Harrison's point. Nothing at all.

[SpastikMooss]

Terrible analogy all the way around.

First, it's clear he wasn't judging his kids' individual contributions. His point is that a TEAM who didn't win doesn't deserve a trophy.

As for Harrison personally.... he only started 3 games in 2005 but he played in 16 games. And 3 special teams tackles matter. He contributed to their win. But even guys who didn't get in the game contributed.... it's a TEAM sport. Maybe they contributed during the season, or push and prepare the starters in practice. The Steelers won the SB that year.... Roethlisberger and a handful of starters didn't win it on their own.

A better analogy here would be what if the Steelers had lost that SB but the NFL gave them a trophy and rings anyway. If Harrison had kept those, then he'd be a hypocrite. But, in the NFL just like in life.... everyone doesn't get a trophy.

A few things:

1. Where in Harrison's post does it say ANYTHING about this being individual trophies vs. team trophies? He never mentions either word, so you mentioning all the "he believes in team stuff" is just you placing your own beliefs on top of his thing. Did you do camps growing up? Most camps I went to had individual trophies (most improved, best in camp, etc.) and very few had team trophies for scrimmages and the like. I think Harrison wants his kids to earn whatever they get...individual or team or otherwise.

2. "But even guys who didn't get in the game contributed.... it's a TEAM sport." Camps are the ultimate team situation...everyone there drives each other to be better. Maybe to be better than the next kid, maybe to be better than you used to be, maybe to appreciate the value of hard work, whatever, but like 95% of kids bust their butts all camp. Yeah they're not playing a hundred kid game vs. a hundred other kids, but they all put in the work and the effort...just like Harrison and lesser guys and practice squad dudes who earned rings and Adam Morrison who earned two rings did. That value isn't worth it? "Good effort" only counts in a true game situation and a practice/scrimmage situation (like at a camp, for example) means nothing? You can't have it both ways man.

[twisty571]

How did you feel about it?

Was the team/parents ok with it?

We were fine with it! That's the way it was in the 80's:eek: We also didn't get to meet the Lions and go to the game if we didn't win either! We won so we did though:)!

[upsbroker06]

A little off topic, but still related...

Some little league coaches have a tradition of taking their teams out to get ice cream after their game, win or lose.

What if the coach said to the kids, "we win, we go out for ice cream after than game. We lose, no ice cream, we just go home."

What do you think of that?

That's how my little league coach did it. We won, we went for ice cream. We lost, we were told what we were going to work on in practice before the next game and went home. I think it's fine to offer incentive to win.

Also, it needs to be noted, that not all little league programs hand out trophies to everyone. Some still do only award trophies to 1st and 2nd.

[chitownbears22]

Seeing that it is a participation award, and the kids participated, they earned it...

Seems like Mr. Harrison doesn't know what participation means.

[RW3FAN]

Terrible analogy all the way around.

First, it's clear he wasn't judging his kids' individual contributions. His point is that a TEAM who didn't win doesn't deserve a trophy.

As for Harrison personally.... he only started 3 games in 2005 but he played in 16 games. And 3 special teams tackles matter. He contributed to their win. But even guys who didn't get in the game contributed.... it's a TEAM sport. Maybe they contributed during the season, or push and prepare the starters in practice. The Steelers won the SB that year.... Roethlisberger and a handful of starters didn't win it on their own.

A better analogy here would be what if the Steelers had lost that SB but the NFL gave them a trophy and rings anyway. If Harrison had kept those, then he'd be a hypocrite. But, in the NFL just like in life.... everyone doesn't get a trophy.

IF?, you mean that in Super Bowl XLV when they lost, he should give back that the AFC ring because his TEAM didn't win the super bowl? And the team should give back the AFC title trophy?

You lost, here's your AFC ring.

[Athey49]

Seeing that it is a participation award, and the kids participated, they earned it...

Seems like Mr. Harrison doesn't know what participation means.

I honestly think there is something wrong with a guy when he takes away his kid's awards. And then he goes to social media to brag about it?? Has to be the most idiotic thing to brag about taking your kid's awards away when they did nothing wrong

[chitownbears22]

I honestly think there is something wrong with a guy when he takes away his kid's awards. And then he goes to social media to brag about it?? Has to be the most idiotic thing to brag about taking your kid's awards away when they did nothing wrong

I don't see what is wrong for rewarding kids for participating. Sports at a young age are not about winning. It is about learning to work with others, community, discipline, etc. The last thing I think of when I hear about pre-highschool sports is actually competing.

Screw James Harrison for taking away something for his kids which was meant to serve as a memory.

He isn't the best LB of all time, so I hope he doesn't go into the Hall of Fame. The HOF is for the best, not for people that are almost the best.

[Siberian13]

Participation awards are not good for anyone. They teach kids that you don't have to do much and you will still be rewarded. It's ok for kids to learn to lose. The younger generation is already bad enough, please stop making it worse.

[THE(NEXT)LEVEL]

Participation awards are not good for anyone. They teach kids that you don't have to do much and you will still be rewarded. It's ok for kids to learn to lose. The younger generation is already bad enough, please stop making it worse.

Why stop promoting entitlement? Everyone is owed something for nothing according to today's society. The pussification of America is upon us.

[chitownbears22]

Why stop promoting entitlement? Everyone is owed something for nothing according to today's society. The pussification of America is upon us.

I agree, we should get rid of social security...

[THE(NEXT)LEVEL]

I agree, we should get rid of social security...

I'd start with welfare first. At least you have to work to get social security.

[chitownbears22]

I'd start with welfare first. At least you have to work to get social security.

They are exactly the same. Entitlement is entitlement. I am not working and paying taxes so some 65 year old who didn't save can enjoy retirement and low-cost healthcare. Stop pandering to the old with entitlements.

[THE(NEXT)LEVEL]

They are exactly the same. Entitlement is entitlement. I am not working and paying taxes so some 65 year old who didn't save can enjoy retirement and low-cost healthcare. Stop pandering to the old with entitlements.

They are not the same. You get social security based on YOUR earnings over your lifetime(you pay into it each paycheck). If you never work, you don't get it. That is where welfare kicks in. one=you work one=you don't. Why would you be mad. You already agree that everyone should get a trophy, so buck up and pay for the non workers.

[chitownbears22]

They are not the same. You get social security based on YOUR earnings over your lifetime. If you never work, you don't get it. That is where welfare kicks in. one=you work one=you don't

I don't think anyone deserves it. You should be responsible for your own well-being, not the government. These people failed to save, that means they should still be in the workforce. Just because you work for 40 years, it doesn't mean you are entitled to my money.

This is starting to get on the verge of politics. So I will bow out on that note. I just find it funny that the people that are most vocal about entitlements and handouts are expecting entitlements and handouts the moment they "retire".

[THE(NEXT)LEVEL]

I just find it funny that the people that are most vocal about entitlements and handouts are expecting entitlements and handouts the moment they "retire".

Well that wouldn't be me, since I own my own businesses and won't need SS or Medicare, when I retire.

[Siberian13]

They are not the same. You get social security based on YOUR earnings over your lifetime(you pay into it each paycheck). If you never work, you don't get it. That is where welfare kicks in. one=you work one=you don't. Why would you be mad. You already agree that everyone should get a trophy, so buck up and pay for the non workers.

Everyone gets a trophy and we all get welfare. Welfare and trophies for everyone! Gonna be a good Xmas

[phinzphan1372]

They are exactly the same. Entitlement is entitlement. I am not working and paying taxes so some 65 year old who didn't save can enjoy retirement and low-cost healthcare. Stop pandering to the old with entitlements.

and if you should ever fall on hard times before you retire ... somehow lose everything you worked for your entire life .... your going to go live in a box instead of applying for assistance? ... by your mentality that is what everyone should do when it comes time to stop working if they were not able to save enough to live on.

you can save and plan and plan and save .... one event in your life that is beyond anyones control can eat all those savings and change all those plans.

[freethrowtommy]

I don't think anyone deserves it. You should be responsible for your own well-being, not the government. These people failed to save, that means they should still be in the workforce. Just because you work for 40 years, it doesn't mean you are entitled to my money.

This is starting to get on the verge of politics. So I will bow out on that note. I just find it funny that the people that are most vocal about entitlements and handouts are expecting entitlements and handouts the moment they "retire".

Considering everyone working is paying into Social Security with every paycheck, I fully expect it to be there when I retire. I put my money in, I should get my money out.

People working 40 years deserve that money that they put into it. That is how the system works. The problem isn't with the system, it is with the retirement age (people are living longer).

If you want to refer to that as an "entitlement" or "handout", that is fine. But don't say the people paying in don't deserve to get it back.

[I pull scrubs]

He can parent however he chooses, but I was told the kids in question are 6 & 8 years old - how much competition is really going on??? - how about letting the kids learn the game and have FUN! Nothing wrong with those kids having trophies at that age - if they are serious, they will throw them out in a year or two and realize they were for FUN and go after the real trophies (when they are at least 10 imo) You don't impress me James!

[chitownbears22]

and if you should ever fall on hard times before you retire ... somehow lose everything you worked for your entire life .... your going to go live in a box instead of applying for assistance? ... by your mentality that is what everyone should do when it comes time to stop working if they were not able to save enough to live on.

you can save and plan and plan and save .... one event in your life that is beyond anyones control can eat all those savings and change all those plans.

Do you think that is what happens to 99% of people? Should there be some sort of assistance for people of circumstances out of their control, sure. I believe that people should handle their own finances, not a government entity.

[21Pittsburgh58]

The "men" arguing against what James Harrison said and did, are the same kids that only got ribbons and participation trophies!

Just kidding.

If that's his opinion on it, so be it. I agree with him but I wouldn't waste time arguing with the people that don't agree. After all, it's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game. But winning feels better that's for damn sure! Just my opinion

[BirdLaw]

Ive been saying this for a loooooong time that the Participation ribbon / trophies are what has led to the puss-ification of america .... used to be trophies for 1 - 2 and 3rd place and everyone else got a macaroni dinner and a "See ya next season" .... teach kids how to win and LOSE and try harder and fight harder to win next time .... getting some-thing for just showing up is the same as bobble-head night at the local minor league team's promo night!

Look at the post that's literally right above yours

James Harrison is a man with strong convictions. If his kids get a trophy he feels they don't deserve, he'll take it away from them and brag about it in public. If his girlfriend doesn't support his child's baptism, he'll beat her. Truly a role model.

[phinzphan1372]

Look at the post that's literally right above yours



and that still means jack squat!... didnt win ... its about the same as keeping a movie stub... yay I watched a movie and got a piece of scrap paper ....

like I said trophies in team sports for 1st, 2nd and 3rd .... maybe stretch it to a 4th .... every one else gets a banquet and see ya next season!


I dont personally know or care enough to comment on what his issues are with his personal life other than the trophy topic .... because its something I have personally disliked for a while ...

[duwal]

I honestly think there is something wrong with a guy when he takes away his kid's awards. And then he goes to social media to brag about it?? Has to be the most idiotic thing to brag about taking your kid's awards away when they did nothing wrong

Its just very hypocritical when he basically had the same amount of participation and no involvement in helping his team (pretty much a bystander) but very happy to accept his Super Bowl ring. But what can we expect? We all have seen that this guy doesn't make good choices in his life

[Siberian13]

Its just very hypocritical when he basically had the same amount of participation and no involvement in helping his team (pretty much a bystander) but very happy to accept his Super Bowl ring. But what can we expect? We all have seen that this guy doesn't make good choices in his life

He made some bad choices in life but his message is what is being discussed and he is correct.

[ssbledsoe]

Hmmmmmm. I'm shocked this "hot button issue" has turned into a poop show... This definitely isn't a ludicrous trumped up story to get people to faux rage on each other. Or, then again, maybe it is just clickbait...

[phinzphan1372]

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x448/phnzphan1372/Misc%20Albums/memes/pt_zpshthnsx93.jpg (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/phnzphan1372/media/Misc%20Albums/memes/pt_zpshthnsx93.jpg.html)

[Siberian13]

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x448/phnzphan1372/Misc%20Albums/memes/pt_zpshthnsx93.jpg (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/phnzphan1372/media/Misc%20Albums/memes/pt_zpshthnsx93.jpg.html)

But they participated, so they have to get something. haha Nice photo

[phinzphan1372]

But they participated, so they have to get something. haha Nice photo

Thank you ....

we've all heard this message many times before too...

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x448/phnzphan1372/Misc%20Albums/memes/yoda_zpsq1kegb4l.jpg (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/phnzphan1372/media/Misc%20Albums/memes/yoda_zpsq1kegb4l.jpg.html)

[BirdLaw]

and that still means jack squat!... didnt win ... its about the same as keeping a movie stub... yay I watched a movie and got a piece of scrap paper ....

like I said trophies in team sports for 1st, 2nd and 3rd .... maybe stretch it to a 4th .... every one else gets a banquet and see ya next season!


I dont personally know or care enough to comment on what his issues are with his personal life other than the trophy topic .... because its something I have personally disliked for a while ...
It kind of takes away from your point about America becoming "pussified" when this has been going on forever.

[phinzphan1372]

It kind of takes away from your point about America becoming "pussified" when this has been going on forever.

No... its way more prominent and mainstream in todays society .... takes nothing from my point.... its worked its way in more and more.

[Siberian13]

It kind of takes away from your point about America becoming "pussified" when this has been going on forever.

It may have happened in the past but not on the same level it is now. None of the kids where we played ever got a participation trophy and that was the 80's.

[JCC]

I remember everyone getting participation ribbons when I was growing up. I also remember everyone clearly knowing the difference between those and the ones for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. I can't remember one person being excited and "showing off" their participation ribbons/trophies. Only reason I see to get rid of them would be the waste of money for the league or school to buy them. I really think a lot of people, including Harrison, put WAY too much meaning on this issue.

[Siberian13]

I remember everyone getting participation ribbons when I was growing up. I also remember everyone clearly knowing the difference between those and the ones for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. I can't remember one person being excited and "showing off" their participation ribbons/trophies. Only reason I see to get rid of them would be the waste of money for the league or school to buy them. I really think a lot of people, including Harrison, put WAY too much meaning on this issue.

Ribbons are lame and kids know it. That's why they started giving them trophies. HBO ran a special on this and the trophy industry is booming.

[phinzphan1372]

HBO ran a special on this and the trophy industry is booming.

of course it is..... because every one gets one for anything!... yay little jimmy tied his shoes .... heres a trophy! little jimmy came in last .... heres a trophy .... god or bad ... they all get one

[Siberian13]

of course it is..... because every one gets one for anything!... yay little jimmy tied his shoes .... heres a trophy! little jimmy came in last .... heres a trophy .... god or bad ... they all get one

Jimmy's trophy room is amazing

[BirdLaw]

It may have happened in the past but not on the same level it is now. None of the kids where we played ever got a participation trophy and that was the 80's.
Can you provide any proof beyond anecdotal evidence? Because there seem to be a lot of anecdotes going both ways here.

[Ray27Ray52]

Can you provide any proof beyond anecdotal evidence? Because there seem to be a lot of anecdotes going both ways here.

I distinctly remember receiving trophies in my youth soccer league around 90 or 91. That would have made me either 13 or 14. I also distinctly remember being genuinely embarrassed to receive a trophy for my teams last place finish.

[RogerGodahell]

https://usatftw.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/screen-shot-2015-06-11-at-4-08-03-pm.png?w=640

[ChicoCheese]

If someone decided to run for office, or your employer told you: "No one is better than anyone else. We are all the same, we all receive the same amount of reward/pay/etc no matter what. It doesn't matter if you are better at what you do than someone else is, or you work harder and get better results, because in the end we ALL are the SAME."

What would you say to them? What would you call them? How would you feel?

That's what these kids are having instilled in them a very early age. Except instead of pay or property or whatever else it is a trophy or ribbon.

[FanboyOfNone]

Never understood the sudden hate for every kid getting a trophy all of a sudden. They have been doing this since I was a kid 25 years ago. Every sport I played was because I wanted to and the trophy was a bonus. Let kids be kids. Whether they do it for the trophy or because they enjoy the sport. They are getting exercise, learning, and maybe even having fun. That is what it is about.

I think this sums up everything concisely.

The underlying current in these responses seems to suggest kids are too stupid to know the difference between a "participation" trophy and an "achievement" trophy. They do know, whether they let on or not. I won a handful of first place ribbons in multi-school math competitions back in grade school. Wrote them off a year later, as minor achievements, every time. Kids might do some "dumb" things. But they are NOT completely unaware robots.

Then again. I'm liking the Nordic Model of government lately. With high tax levels, but education that kills what we get in the States, lower poverty levels, lower corruption rates, and higher overall happiness levels (which bleeds into efficiency in production). So I'm assuming I'm not a perfect fit for the politics of this debate.

Since half the words being used here are cheap, politically charged terms created by loud media figures with high salaries and questionable backgrounds...I guess we're not here for true discussion anyway. :coffee:

[phinzphan1372]

https://usatftw.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/screen-shot-2015-06-11-at-4-08-03-pm.png?w=640

Perfect example! What the hell is that anyway? Something they bought in the Hall of Fame gift shop in the bargain bin along side all those Undefeated regular season banners of that other team

[pgisback]

I don't care that much if kids get participation ribbons for participating in a sport. Seems ridiculous to worry about that. What I hate is how many youth leagues these days have stopped keeping score. Now that's pansifying these kids. Kids need to learn how to lose to understand how hard they have to work to win.

[cdub6238]

If someone decided to run for office, or your employer told you: "No one is better than anyone else. We are all the same, we all receive the same amount of reward/pay/etc no matter what. It doesn't matter if you are better at what you do than someone else is, or you work harder and get better results, because in the end we ALL are the SAME."

What would you say to them? What would you call them? How would you feel?

That's what these kids are having instilled in them a very early age. Except instead of pay or property or whatever else it is a trophy or ribbon.

how in the bloody hell are you whackjobs relating trophies/ribbons to these kind of levels?? this is truly absurd...

i played baseball from age 7-cutoff...received trophies every year whether we "won" or not, and same for football up to 7th grade...

once things got competitive, I...let me repeat that..I.realized if i wanted to keep playing the sports i loved playing AS A KID...I had to better myself..

im 33 years old, have a house and car i pay for as well as take care of my daughter..

I work just like everyone else and pay my taxes...and guess what..if i dont think im getting treated fairly at my job, or being paid fairly or whatever...I decide to move on...its not that hard...

Everyone can choose to parent how they want, tis their right...but you pople arguing about pussification and entitlement are just reaching and even more sadly, relying on baseless generalizations and assumptions

[FanboyOfNone]

If someone decided to run for office, or your employer told you: "No one is better than anyone else. We are all the same, we all receive the same amount of reward/pay/etc no matter what. It doesn't matter if you are better at what you do than someone else is, or you work harder and get better results, because in the end we ALL are the SAME."

What would you say to them? What would you call them? How would you feel?

That's what these kids are having instilled in them a very early age. Except instead of pay or property or whatever else it is a trophy or ribbon.

Like numerous people have said, participation awards have been around for decades. Yet. Hard workers still exist. These kids can tell the difference between participation and personal achievement. I could see through that stuff by age 8. We don't need every policy in the country catered to the complete lowest common denominator or we'd try out prohibition again, while both political parties pass terrible bills on education. (...doh.)

As for your question, I'd consider it a test. If it wasn't, I'd find a different employer. If that works for their company, let it be.

As for the politician, I wouldn't vote for him/her. Because they seem to follow the models of failed, corrupt socialism. The hybrid models at play in Nordic countries do seem to work though. So if we're talking about an actually proven hybrid model of government with an element of socialism...I'd consider the candidate.

[phinzphan1372]

I don't care that much if kids get participation ribbons for participating in a sport. Seems ridiculous to worry about that. What I hate is how many youth leagues these days have stopped keeping score. Now that's pansifying these kids. Kids need to learn how to lose to understand how hard they have to work to win.

It's one and the same not keeping score and awarding participation ribbons = every one is a winner!

[BirdLaw]

If someone decided to run for office, or your employer told you: "No one is better than anyone else. We are all the same, we all receive the same amount of reward/pay/etc no matter what. It doesn't matter if you are better at what you do than someone else is, or you work harder and get better results, because in the end we ALL are the SAME."

What would you say to them? What would you call them? How would you feel?

That's what these kids are having instilled in them a very early age. Except instead of pay or property or whatever else it is a trophy or ribbon.

That analogy only even comes close to working if, in addition to everyone getting a trophy, all achievement trophies are scrapped in favor of participation trophies. Which (outside of some extremely isolated instance that one of you crusaders will almost certainly cite in response) is certainly not the case.

If you really want to shoehorn some kind of political statement into this, a more appropriate analogy would be implementing a policy that provides everyone with sufficient resources to cover the basics.

[ChicoCheese]

I don't care that much if kids get participation ribbons for participating in a sport. Seems ridiculous to worry about that. What I hate is how many youth leagues these days have stopped keeping score. Now that's pansifying these kids. Kids need to learn how to lose to understand how hard they have to work to win.

Not keeping score and rewarding everyone are one in the same. Everyone is still a winner.

how in the bloody hell are you whackjobs relating trophies/ribbons to these kind of levels?? this is truly absurd...

i played baseball from age 7-cutoff...received trophies every year whether we "won" or not, and same for football up to 7th grade...

once things got competitive, I...let me repeat that..I.realized if i wanted to keep playing the sports i loved playing AS A KID...I had to better myself..

im 33 years old, have a house and car i pay for as well as take care of my daughter..

I work just like everyone else and pay my taxes...and guess what..if i dont think im getting treated fairly at my job, or being paid fairly or whatever...I decide to move on...its not that hard...

Everyone can choose to parent how they want, tis their right...but you pople arguing about pussification and entitlement are just reaching and even more sadly, relying on baseless generalizations and assumptions

That was a different time. Look how much more entitled the younger generations feel.

Like numerous people have said, participation awards have been around for decades. Yet. Hard workers still exist. These kids can tell the difference between participation and personal achievement. I could see through that stuff by age 8. We don't need every policy in the country catered to the complete lowest common denominator or we'd try out prohibition again, while both political parties pass terrible bills on education. (...doh.)

As for your question, I'd consider it a test. If it wasn't, I'd find a different employer. If that works for their company, let it be.

As for the politician, I wouldn't vote for him/her. Because they seem to follow the models of failed, corrupt socialism. The hybrid models at play in Nordic countries do seem to work though. So if we're talking about an actually proven hybrid model of government with an element of socialism...I'd consider the candidate.

1) Look around you, there are a hell of a lot less "workers" around in general, let alone hard workers.

2) Yet that is what is going on: We can't raise the lowest common denominator so we will sink those who achieve and obtain more to make everyone equal. AKA: Redistribution.

3) Not touching this one.

[FanboyOfNone]

Not keeping score and rewarding everyone are one in the same. Everyone is still a winner.



That was a different time. Look how much more entitled the younger generations feel.



1) Look around you, there are a hell of a lot less "workers" around in general, let alone hard workers.

2) Yet that is what is going on: We can't raise the lowest common denominator so we will sink those who achieve and obtain more to make everyone equal. AKA: Redistribution.

3) Not touching this one.

1) Around me are hard, dedicated workers. Besides those, people who have honed individual talents for half their lives.

2) Everyone will never be equal. The top 500 CEOs are doing just fine, and the wage gap between richest and poorest is ten times worse than four decades ago. Politifact, or any Google search will show that. The tax brackets from decades ago would make your head spin, if redistribution is a terrible problem now. (Implementation is the issue, not the act of redistribution itself.)

3) Why? Google would provide about fifty credible sources for the standard of living in those countries. Every study on education seems to rank the majority of those countries "above" us. Just providing food for thought.

[pgisback]

It's one and the same not keeping score and awarding participation ribbons = every one is a winner!

I disagree. Getting something for being on a team is not the same as "winning". It's just a remembrance of your participation with the team, has nothing to do with your level of achievement. It's not like the ribbons say "You're the best in the world!!!". They simply usually state the year and team and sometimes the league. Not sure how they can be on and the same level as eliminating winners and losers from the actual competition.

[pgisback]

Not keeping score and rewarding everyone are one in the same. Everyone is still a winner.


They're not being rewarded for anything but finishing off the season and participating in a league. Not sure how that is that big of a deal. And it's definitely not the same as not keeping score.

[phinzphan1372]

duplicate post ......oooopps

[phinzphan1372]

how in the bloody hell are you whackjobs relating trophies/ribbons to these kind of levels?? this is truly absurd...

i played baseball from age 7-cutoff...received trophies every year whether we "won" or not, and same for football up to 7th grade...

once things got competitive, I...let me repeat that..I.realized if i wanted to keep playing the sports i loved playing AS A KID...I had to better myself..

im 33 years old, have a house and car i pay for as well as take care of my daughter..

I work just like everyone else and pay my taxes...and guess what..if i dont think im getting treated fairly at my job, or being paid fairly or whatever...I decide to move on...its not that hard...

Everyone can choose to parent how they want, tis their right...but you pople arguing about pussification and entitlement are just reaching and even more sadly, relying on baseless generalizations and assumptions

I'm considerably older than you are and grew up playing football, baseball and basketball ... You being 33 would put you somewhere in the 1988 / 1989 range of when you first started playing .... Right about the time it started to become mainstream .... I played in the 70s and 80s ... Won a bunch of trophies ... None for participation .... They didn't exist around here ... Only time I got a trophy that wasn't for 1st second or third was All star trophies ...

Sorry if I was taught that if I lost or played bad to pick my self up and practice harder to win ... I'm not completely blind to the benefits of say giving out medals and not keeping score for the 1st year of T-ball 99% of the kids at that age don't know the first thing about baseball ... They just run where the parents and coaches tell them too ... After that it should stop!


Your are correct ... Parents should be able to parent the way they choose .... The leagues need to stop giving them out

[fulltritty]

I am against participation awards as I too think it cheapens the child's desire to work harder to get a real trophy or to help the team win it all. It just means that you can be the laziest person on the team doing nothing to contribute and still get a reward.

I also believe this to be the same for some people who get rings for sports championships. Why the heck do front office executives, broadcasters, or players who were only on the team a short period of time and did not much of anything to get the team to the playoffs or win the whole thing get a ring? Read an article on how the 2004 Boston Red Sox ordered 500 rings. :eek: Did they have 500 players, managers, coaches, training staff, owners, and GMs contribute to their success that year?

If you want a kid to remember his time on the team (as was suggested by someone as a argument for participation ribbons), how about the parent takes some pictures of them playing. Or you can always keep your uniform. Or there seems to always be team pictures and team plaques with a team picture each year that you can purchase and put up on their wall.