I know what you mean, but trash talking in basketball is like breathing

It was their only chance. If she goes, they are out. They sensed panic, and it was their in.
I know, I know, it sounds wrong. But, I don't think they would have done it if they could have gone around them, like in a normal race. They lose a million$, if her guy talks her into it.

If they were mean throughout the race, or belittling others all the time, for me, it would be different.

I'll just leave it as, I can certainly see how it came across wrong.