Too many players are being punished ill-advisedly for unsportsmanlike behavior.
Sports and emotions go together. They always have. They always will. And they go together for good reasons.
There’s the walk-off home run in the bottom of the 9th. The 4th quarter two-minute offense that leads to the winning TD. The quick pull-up jumper from ‘3’ with 2 seconds left. Players not only get emotional at those dramatic moments they get emotional all through the game. That emotion comes out in a lot of ways. Jabbering, bantering, and trash talking are three. Jubilant celebrations are another.
But some think (mostly officials and the leagues) that players’ emotions are getting out of control. Players are penalized–sometimes even fined–for actions that are interpreted as unsportsmanlike. Games are being micromanaged as a result.
But let’s face it: we expect players to express emotion. Players try to get in others’ heads–to throw off their concentration and force them to make mistakes. It’s all part of game strategy.
Here’s an example of how emotion can work for a team. In October 2015. The Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays were playing Game 5 of the ALDS. The game was tied 3-3 when Jose Bautista came to the plate. He launched a no-doubt home run to give the Blue Jays the lead. The Jays won the game and went on to win the series. For the Jays, Bautista’s HR was the pivot point–in the game and for the series.
But that play is often remembered for Bautista’s emotional bat flip as he left home plate to round the bases. Immediately after–and continuing to this day–Bautista’s action was seen as unsportsmanlike, even unprofessional–something that has no place in baseball. An act like his, some argue, negatively affects ‘the integrity of the game.’
I don’t see it that way. In my opinion, the only matter of concern is when situations turn violent. When that happens, rules should be enforced and players should be held accountable.
Leagues need to stop treating men like boys. Leave trash talk and excessive celebrations alone!
