Why Does the NBA Allow Flopping?

[TimRobbins]

If they took flopping seriously, a guy like LeBron would miss half the season and the NBA/Networks don't want that/won't have that.

Players would adjust quickly. I hate the fact that flopping and travelling aren't called.

[Mobby]

The Fine-4-Flop system was supposed to stop this, or at least slow it down, but the punishment is worth the crime in this case for most players. If they did it off of a % of the player's salary, it might work. Imagine keeping the small fines for players on 10-day contracts, but then you start at 250k for someone making the max. They might think twice.

In the playoffs, still probably not, but at least for the regular season. In the playoffs, it should be something like a secondary technical (where you flop twice in a game and you're booted for that game / next game).

[pipfan]

I know they have a system in place, which would work too if they used it. The flops are SO obvious, but almost never punished.

I still want to know-does anyone have an idea into Silver's thinking of why it goes on? I just can't figure it out-it would be so easy and quick to correct, and help the game.

[DuckIII]

I don't consider flopping a big deal. Selling contact is part of basketball. We don't need rules more strict than what we have. We just needs refs more willing to call defensive flops, and less willing to award soft fouls to offensive floppers.

The problem isn't the rule. Its the implementation.

[dice]

I don't consider flopping a big deal. Selling contact is part of basketball. We don't need rules more strict than what we have. We just needs refs more willing to call defensive flops, and less willing to award soft fouls to offensive floppers.

The problem isn't the rule. Its the implementation.

should refs have the leeway to call a tech on an obvious flop? unsportsmanlike

[babblin-on]

The NBA will penalize floppers this season, fining players for repeated violations of an act a league official said Wednesday has "no place in our game."

Those exaggerated falls to the floor may fool the referees and fans during the game, but officials at league headquarters plan to take a look for themselves afterward.

Players will get a warning the first time, then be fined $5,000 for a second violation. The fines increase to $10,000 for a third offense, $15,000 for a fourth and $30,000 the fifth time. Six or more could lead to a suspension.

"Flops have no place in our game -they either fool referees into calling undeserved fouls or fool fans into thinking the referees missed a foul call," vice president of basketball operations Stu Jackson said in a statement. "Accordingly, both the Board of Governors and the competition committee felt strongly that any player who the league determines, following video review, to have committed a flop should - after a warning - be given an automatic penalty."

Violation 1: Warning

Violation 2: $5,000 fine

Violation 3: $10,000 fine

Violation 4: $15,000 fine

Violation 5: $30,000 fine

The rules are there, but I don't think the league has been anywhere close to diligent in enforcing it, particularly in the case of stars. You just have the occasion token fine given to the lower profile players.

Seems to me that the establishment of the rule was intended to give the appearance of trying to curtail flopping moreso than actually doing so.

[RayClayMatthews]

suspend them. **** fines

[contentode]

Flopping doesn't bother me. The ref still has the option whether to call the foul or not call it. What I hate is the extent to which a shooter is allowed to initiate contact in order to draw a foul after a pump fake. For instance, how about that guy who plays way down south who routinely jumps 3 foot out his way into a defender while flinging the ball into the air. Every time a see a ref award that foul I wanna cringe. That really sucks!

[pipfan]

I still can't figure out why Silver allows it, when it would be easy to kill. I figure he:
1. thinks there are bigger battles to fight
2. doesn't want to piss off the players
3. doesn't want the bad PR of bringing focus to it

All those reasons are legit, but it would help the league image to say "f... it, no more flopping allowed" I can't imagine players are so ingrained to flopping that they wouldn't change

[Fl_Flash]

Not to necessarily derail the thread... My complaint is the 24 second call. Why stop play for a shot clock violation? If the defending team forces the offensive team to either take a wild shot or an errant pass as the clock expires and the defensive team gets the rebound or steals the desperation pass; why stop play at that point? Let the team that defended well have the transition opportunity. If the offensive team gets rebound or has the ball after the shot clock has expired, by all means, stop play and award the ball to the other team.

You reward the poorly executing team by allowing them the ability to set up their defense (and even substitute if need be) and penalize the defensive team that forced the violation by denying them the possibility of a transition score. That and it breaks the flow of the game.

[pipfan]

I agree, allow the refs some judgment. If the D has the ball securely, let them play. Any way to reduce interruptions is best