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Fans Weigh In On James Harrison Trophy Controversy

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- When the Pittsburgh Steelers show up at training camp, the end goal is clear: to win the season and get another Super Bowl trophy.

But there is a controversy brewing about whether or not kids are learning the same work ethic, and Pittsburgh Steeler James Harrison is at the center of it. Some fans see him that way.

"I know he's a tough guy," said one fan at training camp.

After learning his two sons won trophies for participating in a youth football program, Harrison posted a message on Instagram. It read in part:

"While I am very proud of my boys for everything they do, and will encourage them utill the day I die, these trophies will be given back until they earn a real trophy. I'm sorry that I'm not sorry for believing that everything in life should be earned, and I'm not about to raise boys to be men by making them believe they are entitled to something just because they tried their best."

"I don't mind a participation trophy, because it says they participated," said Carl Ellis of Cleveland.

Harrison said he planned to return the trophies to the Best of the Batch Foundation, who awarded them.

"I can understand where he's coming from, but I think everyone deserves a little pat on the back, at least for giving a try," responded Tyler Maines.

Another fan, Keith Kristoff of Butler said, "I think today there are a lot of kids that get it too easy. I think they should have to work for it."

Steelers wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey thinks Harrison might be onto something.

"He can raise his kids the way he wants too. But I kind of agree with him. In this world you got to earn things," he said.

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