How would you handle this?

[nine01c]

Maybe "baiting" isn't a good word. How about "increasing the potential for" (opposite of reducing the potential for rough play per Rule Book). My point was that it could possibly encourage rough play if the shooter reacts (retaliates, makes a comment) but on the other hand, it may not. If you see tempers flairing, a little preventive officiating can help in this case to clean it up before a problem occurs. Otherwise, ignore it. Refnrev is correct, the action by the defensive player it is not illegal (without contact).