Rolled up papers. Towel in the mouth. Throwing and smashing a clipboard. Slapping the floor on defense.
Not tells, tics and idiosyncrasy. We all have them. The way we call for a timeout. How and where we stand during games. Trouble sitting on the bench? It would be easier to sit on a bed of nails.
Our actions seldom bother us. But others' may.
I dislike the "shirt in the mouth." You're not Kobe. Maybe he did it to avoid saying something he'd regret. Maybe it's petty of me. You're not Kobe.
Don't disrespect officials by not handing them the ball. Don't slam the ball down. Don't put the ball on the floor and make the ref bend over. Don't throw the ball to the distant official. Whenever practical, hand the ball to the official.
Don't tell teammates after turnovers that "it's okay" or "don't worry about it." Yes, move on. But it's not okay.
Coaches and authors abuse cliches and language. "We're on to Cincinnati" or "it's a marathon not a sprint." Pass the ball, score the ball, rebound the ball or pass, score, and rebound.
