Over the summer, the league got together and put together a policy that would attempt to put an end to all of the flopping, by setting up a five strike system. The first offense results in a warning, the second is a $5,000 fine, third is $10,000, fourth is $15,000, and fifth is $30,000. If any player continues to flop it will result in suspension, but if any player flops six times or even three after being warned and fined, they must have something wrong with them.
This past weekend the NBA, who can look back at any moment of any game to determine if a play was a flop or not, handed out their first two flop warnings of the young season. Minnesota Timberwolves guard J.J. Barea and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donald Sloan, each acted in a way that the league felt was a flop and when you watch the videos below, you probably will agree as well.
JJ Barea's Flop
Donald Sloan's Flop
One Last Thing: This problem is a very sad one to see, especially because basketball used to be a tough and gritty game. Now there are a lot of touch fouls, and the players are so good at "selling calls" that the refs can't even tell the difference between a real foul and a flop. On top of this, the league's superstars like LeBron James, James Harden, Manu Ginobili and Blake Griffin are some of the biggest floppers in the league. They bank on getting to the line and faking fouls, and it makes you think if they would even be able to play a decade or two ago with the hard nosed guys from back then.
P.S. One of AF and I's favorite players and former Knick David Lee actually called out Griffin the other day because of his flopping problem. It was a perfect moment because Griffin is dumbfounded that someone actually called him out and Lee just looks like a man trying to play ball.
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