verb

spend or use up (a resource such as money or energy).

the energy expended in sport could be directed into other areas

spend,pay out,lay out,disburse,dole out,get through,go through,lavish,squander,waste,fritter (away),dissipate,spend like water,throw around like confetti,fork out,shell out,dish out,cough up,blow,splurge,pour/throw down the drain,splash out,stump up,blue,ante up,pony up,use up,use,utilize,make use of,consume,eat up,deplete,drain,sap,exhaust,empty,finish off