'Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat' used the be the code of sportsmanship.

Remember 'Big Time Wrestling' along with the glory days of Mahomed Ali? Possibly those 'great times' accelerated the decline of modesty in our world sports arenas.

The recent Olympics unfortunately brought out the worst with far too many victors. The clenching of fists, the stomping of feet, and angry shouting seemed to be the 'in' thing. Uncalled for boasting day afer day.

We have seen far too many shocking offences on and off the football pitches in recent years. In New Zealand and Australia the latest lowering of standards involves certain rugby league players spitting, not only at opposing players but at game officials as well.

The question arises. When is all this going to end?