By skyforbes 
I slept on this… mainly because I was angry, and I thought it led to me writing a mean spirited attack piece on the Bengals and more in particular Jamar Chase. (A player that up to this point, I LOVED)
I hate the Steelers. I am a Raiders fan from Cincinnati, Ohio: it’s pretty much a requirement. That being said, let’s dive into what I really wanted to talk about today.
In every sport — from youth leagues to the professional level — we talk about respect, character, and what it truly means to compete. We celebrate hustle, grit, and passion. We teach kids to play hard, play fair, and handle themselves with pride whether they win or lose.
But every now and then, something happens on a field or court that crosses a line so clearly that it forces us to stop and say, “That’s not who we are.” Spitting on an opponent is one of those moments — a disgraceful act that has absolutely no place in the game, at any age or level.
It’s Not Just Unsportsmanlike — It’s Dehumanizing
Sports can get emotional. Adrenaline runs high. Tempers flare. Everyone understands that. But spitting is different — it isn’t an accident, it’s not part of the game, and it’s not a heat-of-the-moment shove or mistimed tackle.
Spitting is intentional.
Spitting is personal.
And more than anything, spitting is dehumanizing.
When a player spits on another person, they’re making a deliberate choice to disrespect them in the most degrading way possible. It’s an action meant to belittle, embarrass, and provoke. That goes against the very foundation of competitive integrity.
It Destroys the Meaning of Competition
At its core, competition is about testing your skills, your preparation, and your mental toughness against someone who’s working just as hard as you are. Your opponent isn’t your enemy — they’re the person giving you the chance to measure yourself, grow, and improve.
When someone spits on an opponent, they’re throwing all of that out the window. They’re saying:
“I don’t respect the game.”
“I don’t respect this moment.”
“I don’t respect you as another human being.”
That kind of behavior cheapens the sport for everyone involved — players, coaches, officials, parents, and fans.
It Sets a Terrible Example for Young Athletes
Kids watch everything. They copy everything. When they see a player — especially an older athlete, college athlete, or professional — lose control and resort to something as disgraceful as spitting, it sends a dangerous message:
If you’re frustrated… spit.
If you’re unhappy… spit.
If you’re losing… spit.
But sports are supposed to teach the opposite.
We use games and practices to teach resilience, self-control, accountability, respect, and emotional regulation. When a player spits on an opponent, they’re actively undoing those lessons and modeling the worst possible behavior for the next generation.
It Hurts the Team, Not Just the Player
Spitting doesn’t just stain the character of the player who does it — it stains the team’s reputation. It hurts the coaching staff. It reflects poorly on the program or club. It can lead to:
Suspensions
Ejections
Fines
Loss of playing time
Distrust among teammates
Damage to the program’s culture
And for what? A moment of immaturity that accomplishes nothing except embarrassment.
Respect Isn’t Optional — It’s the Standard
You don’t have to like your opponent. You don’t have to enjoy the way they play. But you do have to respect the fact that they’re out there competing just like you.
Respect isn’t conditional.
Respect isn’t situational.
Respect is the bare minimum expected of anyone who steps onto a field, court, pitch, or track.
Spitting on someone? It’s the opposite of respect. And in athletics — especially today, when character matters more than ever — that’s unacceptable.
The Final Whistle
Spitting on an opponent isn’t “part of the game.”
It’s not “just emotions.”
It’s not “trash talk taken too far.”
It’s a disgrace.
Athletes deserve better. Coaches deserve better. Fans deserve better. And the game itself deserves better.
If you want to be a competitor, a leader, a teammate, and someone people are proud to stand with — then act like it. Show passion. Play with fire. But carry yourself with honor.
Because how you treat your opponent says more about you than the scoreboard ever will!