Why some basketball players like chewing games when they have the match?

I am not a basketball fan, but I know chewing gum helps with concentration in doing math problems, so perhaps it also helps when playing this sport. Of course they are active and taking a chance of swallowing the gum..

It makes them concentrate Example : Micheal Jordan . He was always chewing on gum .

In our gym we are warned NOT to eat when we are working out or even chew gum because we can easily swallow it or choke. So I would think that chewing gum whilst do any exercise is dangerous surely? What if they bite their tongues or swallow the gum or it gets lodged in some way? Or they choke on it. Surprised this activity is allowed for health and safety. Maybe they think differently.

I think there is something related to stamina. I think it helps in maintaining the stamina and nothing else. Or may be that's a style to play basketball. I play basketball but I never chewed gum during the game. May be i will do now. haha.

Perhaps it will make them concentrate more to the game~ Just like when we chew gums while reading, watching, working etc. As long as they know how to chew without get choked then it is fine~ It risky but I am sure they can control it very well~(^^)