How did it begin?

I was watching the Maverick's first play off game last night when I started wondering about the origin of the athletic "butt pat." It had to begin somewhere, and I can't imagine who thought it would be a good idea to pat a team member on the rear instead of just saying "good job." I would think that the intention of the pat might have been misunderstood as well, those first few times it was used. But now it is commonplace. Although,I doubt I could do it without feeling slightly self-conscious. It must become easier with time...to pat everyone on the rear. When one is paying attention to the patting (instead of letting it just be part of the background bustle as usual) it's amazing how constant it is. The same thing happens when the ear becomes focused on the squeak of the players shoes on the floor. Sometimes I become highly conscious of the sound of shoes when watching a basketball game on tv. Suddenly all I can hear is constant squeaking until I finally convince my ear to let it fade into the background noise again.