NewMexiKen believes there is a fine line in professional sports between athletic competition and unabashed show business — pro wrestling is the best example of the wrong side of the line.
The fights in the NHL pushed that league over the line, but it has mostly pulled itself back. The NBA dances with the line but usually stays on the athletic side. Honoring the line is why the NFL discourages celebration and taunting. (My advice: When you get to the end zone, act like you’ve been there before.)
It seems to NewMexiKen that the melodrama over fouls in professional soccer, especially in international competition, with the moaning and groaning, and the silly mandatory stretcher, push the sport — at times — precariously close to the line.