The Wire

They dance, they yell, the scream, they cry. These are but some of the emotions displayed on field by sports people, and what we have come to expect from professional sports men and women. But a leading sports scholar says these enthusiastic celebrations weren’t always central to sport.

He’s concluded that once a sport becomes popular and lucrative, players begin to engage in theatrical and melodramatic behaviour. It is believed these emotional displays are a chance for athletes to connect with their fans and prove they aren’t just in it for the money.