Why do football players pat each other on the rear end?

I mean, if I tried that at work, I'd get my ass kicked, fired, or
both, but it seems acceptable on the playing field (but certainly not
in sports like golf, boxing, or cricket).

Where did this strange ritual originate?

On Aug 7, 11:44 pm, ta nc.rr.com> wrote:

"You praise them for something good that they have done."

Patting the buttocks perhaps stems in recognition of the nonsexual
nature of the interaction of the players amidst the fact that they
frequently roll around on top of each other and the desensitizing they
endure in the sharing of the locker and shower rooms about each others
bodies.

I'd imagine that the majority of the butt slappers are not gay or bi-
sexual and like to project this sign of brotherly love for each other
as a form of transcendence of the usual culture normality's as they
apply themselves to the gladiatorial spectacle.

On Aug 7, 8:44 pm, ta nc.rr.com> wrote:

My guess is that it is sign of special rights and privliges between
ingroup members, that the perceived outgroup could not get away with.
When we are members of a group we gain special rights of movement and
touching, possibly, but I would have to think and google more before I
decided on a cool/pimped opinion about it.

Fiving can be adapted, and elaborated upon, as fits the situation.
Many fivers will take a high five while walking or running past each
other. A jumping five can be dangerous as there's a lot of momentum
flying about, but is certainly enjoyable if pulled off correctly.

On Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:44:11 -0700, ta wrote:

Because the front end is a little awkward?

On Thu, 7 Aug 2008 20:44:11 -0700 (PDT), ta nc.rr.com> wrote:

Other parts of the player body are often well
padded. The butt may be the only body part other
than perhaps the face and hands that
can be easily reached that isn't padded and can feel
any contact. Just being practical.