Since when is ridiculing someone for something they cannot influence or control considered “psyching out” an opponent?
I see no justification for punishing the opposing player because of his parents - even though I thoroughly disagree with those parents. Teaching players to do so is simply fostering bullying - and is unnecessary. These kids are putatively on the squad to play ball and learn about life.
Simply put, what the coach recommended (if the story is true) is a very bad lesson in life.
My President does it all the time, and I'm glad he does.
“Since when is ridiculing someone for something they cannot influence or control considered “psyching out” an opponent?”
Well, since whenever someone discovered that such ridicule can throw an opponent off their game, I expect.