Post-game handshakes are a staple of sporting events at every level. They’re a way to connect with your opponents and congratulate them on a hard-fought game. Lately, though, it seems the emotions athletes should have left on the field are getting the best of them after the final whistle. In what could be a step toward the death of sportsmanship, the State of Kentucky has determined that players need to be monitored by school officials when shaking hands after a game to ensure that fights don’t break out. The organization cited over two dozen altercations over the past three years as the driving force behind the decision.

These amateurs could be following the lead of the pros—remember the “handshake” between Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz and San Francisco 49er’s head coach Jim Harbaugh? Or how about the heated back-and-forth between the New York Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony and the Boston Celtics’ Kevin Garnett that continued all the way to the door of the Celtics’ team bus?

The Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) called the decision “disappointing” but necessary. One  can see why they made the decision, when even team mascots in that state are liable to turn a fake brawl into the real deal.

Is sportsmanship dying? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

Photo: gosanangelo.com