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.

 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

A photo posted by James Harrison (@jhharrison92) on Aug 15, 2015 at 10:09am PDT

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.