The NBA is cracking down on floppers — those who fake being fouled to draw penalties on their opponents.
Sports Illustrated notes that “The ugly trend of faking
physical contact began in soccer, a sport in which gamesmanship has given way
to players writhing in false agony around the world.”
This is an idea that should be extended to all arenas of
life. Imagine: No more exaggerated or phony outrage. How would political
campaigns fill the news cycle?
No more airtime for those who George Bernard Shaw called feverish
selfish little clod(s) of ailments and grievances complaining that the world
will not devote itself to making (them) happy.”
Imagine…
I don’t much care for basketball, but I think I love the
NBA.
Jim Cornelius, Editor
Posts
Agreed. Flopping is a base form of cheating, in a sneaky, cowardly fashion, whether it occurs in sports or any of life's other arenas.
ReplyDeleteI believe that I have a solution, though. I remember that, as a child, when I was crying needlessly, my father would ask me if I wanted for him to "give me something to cry about". In other words, give me a good, physical reason to be crying. My solution would entail a referee who is dedicated solely to standing up a flopper, and striking them exactly in the manner that their flop suggests. If they clutch at an ankle, shin, or knee, give them a stout strike to that area. Of course, the official meting out these punishments should be burly, mean, and remorseless.
My guess is that flopping would cease in very short order, but while it lasted, it would be great for the fans.
Jim,
ReplyDeleteYou mention the phony outrage filling the news cycle. I think that is now become what we learned from the fable about "the boy who cried wolf". When everything is an outrage, nothing is and outrage. It is now news worthy if you turn on Fox News or MSNBC and someone is not outraged.