You need to learn the word, NO. Just say no in some cases, such as this.
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Why the hell not?
If a FPS (though, not a very good one) like Deus EX can be an RPG, then sure, why can't a sports game be an RPG.
The way some sports games are setup today, were you can actually build up characters. Just add in some sort of storyline, character interactions and a set a team members. It would be something really cool.