Final answer:
The popularity of fantasy sports, which emphasizes cognitive skills, has indeed bolstered cognitive involvement in sports. This has contributed to a deeper engagement with sports beyond just passive viewership, affecting both fan culture and the academic performance of athletes. option a.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cognitive involvement in sports has indeed increased in recent years, partly due to the popularity of fantasy sports. This statement is True. Fantasy sports require participants to build and manage virtual teams based on real athletes' performance stats, which stimulates cognitive skills such as analysis, strategic planning, and decision-making. Additionally, sports such as football games have been popular pastimes for many, including working-class urban dwellers. Beyond entertainment, sports provide avenues for financial and cultural success, as seen with athletes like Kobe Bryant and Walter Payton. Moreover, the commercialization of sports has led to increased fan engagement, with even college football intensity being linked to team success and the availability of other attention outlets. When it comes to academic performance, participating in a sport can have various effects on college athletes, potentially influencing their grades and study habits positively or negatively.