Woodshed, we can only speak from our experiences, but I just experienced a different era concerning "trash talk" growing up in the 60's. I guess it depends on your definition of trash talk and its pervasiveness. From my experience, trash talk has grown exponentially over the last few decades to what we see on the field today. Of course, words were said even in the old days, but, nothing to the extent that we see today. Decades ago, you rarely "saw" on the TV screen definite exchanges going back and forth after a play. Today, it is rare to see it not happen after a play. I think it is a generational thing and to those of my generation, most of us probably think it is cheap. But, I doubt it will go away so it is not a huge issue with me.
Per other posters, I also agree that the one thing that most irritates me is the showboating of a player that has been habitually used all day, only suddenly to make one good play. Or, as I witnessed recently. A team is getting royally whipped, its late in the 4th quarter, a defensive player on the losing team makes an average stop before the goal line and he jumps up and does his dance. His team is losing by 30 points and he wants to celebrate a very normal play.
I also get what a previous poster said about making the game "exciting." I get it but I don't agree that this is the type of excitement I wish to see in the game. I prefer my excitement to come from the actual play and not the extra curricular activities. Saying that, I will also state a pet peeve that may step on some toes. I can hardly believe what I see happening at many high school games. I realize that I go because of the sports, but it is a three ring circus at the games. Cheer leaders no longer pay much attention to the game as they are so invoved in their intricate dances and stunts (one of my daughters was a cheer leader, so I can speak with knowledge on this). The band is frequently not paying attention as they are doing their songs at unstrategic times of the game. After half time, half of the crowd leaves as they were there as parents of the half time parade. Yes, they were there to support their child and I understand that. But, it looks strange for a football game crowd to diminish by a third to a half after halftime and certainly is a little discouraging to the team. Just my opinion and I respectfully acknowledge that I enjoy sports. I also go crazy at professional games, especially basketball with all their hoopla during time-outs. Perhaps it is for children and the non-sports people but if I had wanted to go to a circus I would have gone to a circus.
I hope my tirade hasn't detracted from the OP too much.
