Kids need to diversify

This may seem crazy coming from a man who makes a living through sports, but I think sports in this country are out of control, particularly youth sports. You’ve probably seen the video of that lunatic who attacked his son’s wrestling opponent, and we’ve all heard stories about other ridiculous parents in youth sports. I see a lot of problems with adults now who have their identities determined by their kids playing youth sports. That’s big enough of an issue, and merits a blog entry on its own, but the greater problem, I think, is the children themselves.

It’s very dangerous for a kid today to have sports be his or her identity because 98% of them will not play professional sports. I don’t have the figures, but I’d venture to say that over 80% of all child athletes don’t even wind up playing in college. In fact, one recent study I did see said 70% of child athletes quit at 13. So once a kid hits even 17 or 18, and sports are out of the mix, what kind of person do you have?

I’ll tell you what you’ll have more often than not: a very uninteresting person. I [...]

About John Hansen

John Hansen

Specializing in football, Hansen is one of the most connected fantasy writers in the country.

About the author

RSS Staff Commentary

  • Weekly MATTchups: Week Sixteen December 24, 2011
    With this being championship week, I will not be focusing on the obvious players since they are going to be in your lineup no matter what. Instead, I will be taking a quick look at each game with more emphasis on players you’ll be making decisions on this week. Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots The fantasy QB situation has been a steady rotation of matc […]
    Matt Camp
  • Weekly MATTchups: Week Fifteen December 16, 2011
    It is playoff time in the world of fantasy football, so if you are still making meaningful lineup decisions, I salute you for getting this far. As we have been saying, this is no time to be a hero, so a running theme in this week’s blog will be my comfort level with players. Let’s get into this week’s games. Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Buccane […]
    Matt Camp
  • Weekly MATTchups: Week Fourteen December 9, 2011
    If you are still alive, congratulations. With just a few weeks remaining in the fantasy football season, now is not the time to be a hero. Being safe is not a bad thing and there are plenty of good matchups that should allow you to do just that this week. Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens Ray Rice and the Ravens ran all over the Browns last week and cou […]
    Matt Camp