I’m always amazed at the ridiculous emphasis placed on “trash talking.”

The media wait with bated breath on every Rex Ryan word, as if the Patriots are going to play harder. It’s silly and in many cases, the media outrage is contrived. As I’ve always said, shame on any player who plays harder because someone talked trash. Fans pay their hard earned dollars, television networks pay billions of dollars to the league and it is a reasonable expectation that players give their all, whether or not another player or coach says something prior to the game.

The truth of the matter is talking a little smack is the norm and some players thrive off yakking.

Case in point, Tom Brady… A few seasons ago, one of the Steelers’ safeties gave some bulletin board material prior to the game against the Patriots. After scoring a TD, Brady got in the kid’s grill. Once again, Tom Terrific has taken the bait by responding to comments made by Ryan, head coach of the Jets. Brady stated, “Talk is cheap”. Na … Na … Na … Na … Na …

From Babe Ruth calling his shot to Deion Sanders calling his shot to return a punt for a TD, trash talking has been a part of the fabric of sports. I direct my ire at the media, who make such comments out to be a violation of some sacred trust of civility. In actuality, trash talking is a time-honored tradition whose sanctity has been violated by players being forced to talk to the media.

What say you?

Catch me on Twitter @jamiedukes