Throughout the play, Troy and Cory share different views and don't get along. This scene functions to show that Cory and Troy share a turbulent relationship in which they both dislike each other. While Troy dislikes Cory, he still loves him and displays his responsibility toward him.
Rose asks Troy why he will not let Cory play football when Cory is trying to follow in his father's footsteps. Troy explains that when Cory was born, he decided he would not allow Cory to pursue sports in order to spare Cory from a fate like his own.
