Quote: Mike Oxlong "Nothing wrong with this at all for me. All part of the psychology of the game, just like sledging in cricket, or "trash talking" in the NFL/NBA etc, gets in the oppositions head for next time they get the ball.
The only thing I don't like is patting the opposition on the head or on the back, but celebrating with your teammates and then having a bit of a chirp at the oppo is no problem at all I don't think.'"
It must be an age thing? In cricket & rugby sledging was once ungentlemanly conduct for which you were penalised & given a written warning. I do remember one of my coaches telling me if I had enough energy to take time out to argue & bait the other team I was not putting in the effort or not concentrating on my job. I don't think it will go away now shame really.