What is one negative consequence of athletes dedicating too much time to their sports?

Dedicating excessive time to sports can lead to reduced academic performance, as athletes often have demanding schedules that limit their availability for studying and completing assignments. This time commitment may cause them to prioritize athletic commitments over their educational responsibilities, resulting in lower grades or missed academic opportunities. When significant focus is placed on training, competitions, and recovery, the necessary time and energy for academic pursuits may diminish, leading to challenges in managing both athletics and education.

In contrast, improved team cohesion, enhanced leadership skills, and stronger community ties are typically viewed as positive outcomes of sports participation. While these aspects are beneficial, they do not address the potential drawbacks of an athlete's singular focus on their sport at the expense of their academic development.