James Harrison Just Threw Out His Sons’ Participation Trophies: Did He Go Too Far?

James Harrison, the Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, just sent a strong (and somewhat controversial) message on parenting in a “you’re all winners” type of world.

The defensive madman came home to find that his sons had received participation trophies and, well, that just didn’t sit well with him.

He took to Instagram issuing the following statement.

“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 to 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“

In addition to this post’s popularity on the photo-sharing site, it’s also up to more than 1,300 shares and almost 21,000 likes on Facebook.

As you might imagine, there are many supporters commending James Harrison for taking a stand against a society that they feel is more concerned with self esteem than performance.

“Thank you James Harrison,” writes one commenter. “I see it every day and this goes with the wussifacstion [sic] of America. Daily I see a lack of work ethic and drive that the youth have today along with a sense of entitlement.”

“Sounds like a good principle,” wrote another. “‘Hey, here is my trophy when I participated!’ That sounds ridiculous. I understand a first or second and possibly a third. That’s it!!”

“Awesome lesson James,” raved a third.

Still, not all commenters were happy with Harrison’s stance with one calling him a “musclehead jerk” for confiscating the participation trophies.

“What about all the players that sit on the bench or never play a down but yet get a super bowl [sic] ring when their team wins the Superbowl [sic]….same concept…I understand the wrong and right in the trophies…but you shouldn’t be that hard on your boys.”

What do you think, readers? Was it wrong of James Harrison to take away his kids’ participation trophies, or is it just the kind of parenting you want to see more of? Sound off in the comments section.

[Image of participation trophies via James Harrison Facebook, linked above]