Torii Hunter kisses an alligator on a dare from Justin Verlander

Oct 17, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder Torii Hunter (48) hits a single runner to third base advancing the against the Boston Red Sox during the seventh inning in game five of the American League Championship Series baseball game at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

What is it about baseball players and predatory reptiles? Who do these guys feel the need to taunt these critters and post pictures of it?

First it was Giancarlo Stanton messing with a crocodile on a golf course. Now it’s Torii Hunter kissing an alligator on the lips.

Okay granted, the alligator has its mouth taped shut. But still. Who kisses an alligator?

And why is Justin Verlander daring his teammates to touch dangerous animals with their lips?

I don’t care how small the alligator is, that’s still an alligator.

This just seems like reckless, irresponsible behavior to me. And it needs to stop.

I don’t need to wake up some morning, fire up Twitter and read “Torii Hunter’s lips bitten off by alligator.”

Imagine, never being able to whistle again. Because an alligator has bitten your lips off.

Just not worth it.

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