Pittsburgh Steelers' James Harrison Instagram [PHOTO] Rejects Sons' Participation Trophies

James Harrison of the Pittsburgh Steelers revealed on his Instagram that he doesn't think his sons deserve to have participation trophies. After his two sons, ages 8 and 6, came home from school with trophies honoring their participation as a student athlete, he explained his reasoning for sending the trophies back.

Harrison believes that his children should be earning a real trophy, and not led to believe that they will receive an award every time that they simply do their best. In his Instagram photo caption, he remarked on how he wants to raise his boys to be men by teaching them that they are not entitled to anything. He also remarked that this tough love technique should drive them to want to do better, rather than get upset or give up. Despite how harsh the message may come across, he did assure his followers that he was proud of his boys for the work that they actually do.

The caption and reasoning made by Harrison sparked a debate amongst his followers, and even other parents who argued his points. Some users wrote in the comments section that the Steelers player was correct for teaching his sons the lesson, as they may gain a sense of entitlement and expect good grades just for showing up to classes. Another user made the argument in the comments that if his sons did not earn valedictorian, that this would seem as though they should not be able to accept their degree.

On top of the parents and users that agreed with him, some of his fellow NFL friends also shared their agreement, such as Shawne Merriman. “I applaud James Harrison for not wanting his kids to be given trophies just for participating,” he wrote on his Facebook page.