This is far too pessimistic about team sports. The “brutalize themselves” really only applies to football, and I think it’s safe to say the vast majority of kids who play that (or any other sport) understand their chances at going pro (or even getting a scholarship) are slim.

There are also unambiguous benefits: learning how to handle defeat, learning to work with others in a stressful environment, finding fun ways of staying active, learning about nutrition and how to take care of your body in general.