Is flopping the worst thing that happens in sports?

Is flopping the worst thing that happens in sports?

By BUDDY LUKENS Staff Writer

Flopping is known worldwide as a “pansy” move. Flopping is most common in soccer and can be commonly seen in basketball, as well. Flopping is the act of emphasizing a foul to make it look much worse than the collision was in–order–to draw a card or a foul in each respective game.

One man who has seemingly mastered the art of flopping is Mr. Neymar Jr. In last year’s World Cup, he committed the crime of the flop and was on the ground of the pitch for over ten minutes (not even kidding, look it up). Every player on the pitch during those games – I assure you – was kind of frustrated. No one likes to wait for minutes at a time, especially during a soccer game.

On to the National Basketball Association – a much smaller organization than La Liga, Premier and Champions league in soccer. Manu Ginobli is a terrific player and a crafty one at that, but some of that can be looked over though because of his commitment to the religion of the flop. Yes, one of the oldest players in the game.

Now, while Neymar and Manu may have very little in common besides their residence in flop city, they do get their calls. Both players got over 50 percent of their flops turned into cards or fouls on the opposing team.

The NBA is trying to stop the floppage by fining players who blatantly flop to try and get calls. Players are fined $5,000 for their first flopping offense, $10,000 for a second, $15,000 for a third and $30,000 for a fourth. Any player who flops five or more times could be suspended.

This, in my opinion, is a good way to stop the flopping all around. It’s not worth the technical foul and the free throws to look absolutely goofy trying to get a call then getting fined for it. But, take it as you will; maybe you like flopping? And maybe people don’t like you (kidding, we love everyone here at this College)?

But, in soccer, the players can be rewarded! Dumb. I know right? If you’re fouled in the box (maybe the foul is emphasized by the flop) you could be rewarded with a Penalty Kick, and if your goalie isn’t a mind reader and still very skilled, then a goal for your team.

So think of the flop as you will, but dang it, I think it needs to stop. If you feel the same way as me, I’m sure we would get along just great.