The New York Knicks’ owner pushed a classic sports superstition into the spotlight this spring, urging players to weigh sacrifice, focus and even temporary abstinence as they chased a title; physicians and therapists weigh in with what the science and psychology actually show, and the debate sits at the crossroads of ritual, relationship and performance.
James Dolan gave a blunt talk to his team before the playoffs, reminding them how much a championship could change their lives. “I don’t know if you understand what it would mean for you to win a championship this year. … It would be life-changing,” he said. “It will stick with you the rest of your lives, and if you don’t win, you’ll be thinking about it the rest of your lives.”
He told players the next stretch would demand sacrifices across diet, sleep and distractions, and floated an old-school idea about intimacy as part of that regimen. “You need sacrifice, and you need to eliminate all the distractions around you,” he said, and added, “I had this idea that maybe you should give up sex for the next 10 weeks.” The suggestion landed with laughter and a follow-up line that mixed humor with instruction: “Don’t tell [your wives and girlfriends] you’re not going to have sex, and don’t tell them it was my idea. But let them know what this is going to be like … and how they’re going to have to sacrifice, too.”
That kind of recommendation revives an ancient playbook. Dr. Anna Elton, a licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical sexologist, points out that the idea of abstinence as an edge goes back to Spartans and early Olympic competitors. She says the belief persists because athletes and coaches have long linked self-denial with heightened aggression and focus, and rituals often travel from myth into modern locker rooms.
At the same time, modern research has not been able to confirm a direct physical advantage to avoiding consensual sex in the days before competition. Studies generally find little evidence that sexual activity undermines strength, endurance, reaction time or performance when it occurs at least ten hours before an event. However, “activity very close to competition may affect recovery measures,” she added, which leaves a narrow window where timing could matter.
The bigger effect, Elton argues, may be psychological. “Choosing to abstain can reinforce discipline and total commitment to a larger goal,” she said. For teams, a shared sacrifice can create cohesion, sending a clear message about priorities. “Whether the sacrifice is alcohol, social activities, favorite foods or sex, the message is often the same: ‘We are all in.'”
Experts caution that much of the science is limited in scope. “Unfortunately, nearly all studies (99%) have been conducted in males aged 20 to 40, so there is virtually no data on female athletes, older athletes or diverse populations,” the Puerto Rico-based expert said. “We know what to tell the Knicks, but we are not sure what to recommend for the New York Liberty.”
That gap matters because the psychological and physiological impacts of sex are not identical across people. Elton notes abstinence can become a handy pregame ritual for some competitors, boosting confidence and sharpening intent. “For some athletes, it can become part of a pre-competition ritual that enhances confidence,” she told Fox News Digital.
Meanwhile, sexual activity also carries benefits that can aid performance in indirect ways: reduced stress, improved sleep, better mood and stronger emotional bonds with a partner. “Strong, supportive relationships are associated with better psychological resilience, which can be valuable during high-pressure competitions,” Elton said, suggesting that stability off the court can be as important as conditioning on it.
The bottom line from clinicians is nuance. “Ultimately, there is no universal rule,” she added. “What helps one athlete perform at their best may not help another.” Athletes are advised to dial in reliable sleep, recovery, nutrition and stress management first, and to treat any temporary sacrifices as team decisions, not diktats.
That pushes the conversation away from one-size-fits-all superstition toward informed choice: if abstaining helps a player commit and focus, it can be a legitimate tactic; if it strains a relationship or creates anxiety, the tradeoff may not be worth it. “Athletes devote tremendous attention to training their bodies, while overlooking the importance of their personal relationships,” she cautioned. “A supportive partner can be one of the greatest assets during a demanding season. If competition requires temporary sacrifices, make those decisions together and keep communication open.”
