On the other hand, we do have to consider the audience. My childhood dentist used to make funny noises to make me laugh while he was examining my teeth so I wouldn’t be afraid. I consider that ethical. He’s helping me help him do his job.

But Tolle isn’t doing that. We should also consider that another player may not want to be hugged but is reluctant to turn Tolle down because there’s an audience and he doesn’t want to look like a jerk. Putting someone on the spot in public is wrong.

The entertainment factor of sporting events is another consideration. Fans debate this. When you go to see the Harlem Globetrotters, you expect to see hijinks on the court. Maybe you don’t when you watch the Knicks or the 76ers.

The late basketball coach, John Wooden, disapproved of what he called showmanship, “There’s too much individual showmanship… I’m interested in teamwork; in the rhythm of the game; in the beauty of watching a play unfold that eventually leads to a basket.” He was also famous for forbidding showboating in his players.

But that would apply to the actual playing of the game. In a situation in which there is no risk to the scoring, high-fiving or hugging may not be unethical or unprofessional. We live in a culture that is eshewing civility in favor of competitive one-upmanship, encouraging lack of cooperation with people who don’t agree with us. The WNBA is providing us with wretched examples of unsportsmanlike behavior. Seeing competing players showing amity to each other isn’t wrong.

But the time and place are what’s at issue here.

As long as Tolle’s hugs are welcome by other players and are occuring at a time in which the ball is not in play, such as at the end of an inning, I don’t see a problem with it. If precious seconds are lost because Tolle is hugging an outfielder while a pop fly is headed his way, it’s unethical and unprofessional.

Well, I probably walked around John Brown’s barn to get there, but I would say the coach should tell Tolle to knock it off during active play.