Trash talking can be found in virtually all American sport environments. It is viewed by many as a tool to achieve athletic success. Trash talking can be a harmless form of verbal jousting. However, there comes a point at which trash talking serves as motivation for violence inside of the sport setting and outside of it as well. In this paper, the trash talking associated with a college softball injury resulting in a player losing three teeth is recounted. The incident demonstrates how trash talk can cause emotions to run high and make the sport environment contentious. Trash talk combined with the injury created a hostile environment which could have fostered further violence. Those involved in sport are asked to consider the harmful effect trash talking may have upon individuals and society. Coaches must avoid the use of trash talk as a means of motivating their athletes. They must convey to athletes that degrading, belittling and demeaning comments do not foster tolerance and peace, but instead promote intolerance, inequality, strife and ultimately violence. (Contains 1 figure and 4 notes.)