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James Harrison wants nothing to do with participation trophies, ya hear

By Jonathan Bass

Oct 12, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison (92) against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison (92) against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /
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#HarrisonFamilyValues. James Harrison will have no participation trophies in his house.

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I’m a full-blown member of the participation trophy era. While playing basketball as a youngster (circa 1993 or ’94) our squad (Team McDonalds stand up!) went a sterling 0-16. We were pretty much the worst team the sport has ever seen; the Washington Generals of rec league.

Well, after the season, so as to make us not feel too pathetic, our coaches conjured up a bunch of quirky awards. I won the “Basketball Court Award,” which was supposed to symbolize relentless hustle. Really, it was just a way of pointing out that I was always diving on the ground for every loose ball, and probably spent too much time falling on the court and too little boxing people out on the post. Anyway, the award was well-received, I ate my pizza and drank my grape soda, and went home to proudly display the cheap card stock postseason award on the fridge.

Now had I been James Harrison’s son, that little piece of paper would’ve been fed to the paper shredder faster than Emmanuel Sanders running the 40-yard dash. Over the weekend Harrison posted a picture of participation trophies his sons had received, along with a breakdown of his #HarrisonFamilyValues explaining why the boys wouldn’t be keeping said trophies. Namely, he only wants things that are “earned” in the house – no free passes and no sense of entitlement. Winners collect the spoils; participators get to come back next time and try harder.

Interesting motivational tool by Harrison. And he’s not that far off with the message. One of the most difficult lessons in life to learn is that there’s always somebody better than you, and that maximum effort doesn’t always guarantee success. It’s how you address such a cold reality that marks your measure as a person. That said, it still sucks for the kids losing out on some hardware and then having it blown out across social media.

PS. I really wish they made participation trophies for blogging. The mantle is looking a little dusty, and the Basketball Court Award could use a friend.

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