yao definitely tries to fall down and get a charge call once in a while. according to SVG, that is a flop. if you go by shaq's definition, yao doesn't flop.
The "big picture" point of the thread is to better understand and define what flopping is, and figure out how it can be identified by refs during games to punish players that do it. The most defining feature of a flop is a player exaggerates contact by falling to the floor, and does so a lot. How does a ref distinguish that from player who is just as prone to falling to the floor even with minimal contact, though perhaps without the intention to deceive? Is it just a judgment call? That particular play happened to stick in my mind because I happened to have flopping on the brain while I was watching the game. I know Yao falls down a lot, but I usually don't bother to rewind and check what actually happened there.
not a bad definition there. and going by that definition, yao clearly does not flop. no one, yao included, is "is just as prone to falling to the floor even with minimal contact". if one does fall with minimal contact consistently, then in my book he's a flopper for sure. and of course it's a judgment. this is sports rules we're talking about, not rocket science. too bad the league don't want replays or red flags like nfl to make it at least half-decent. until the league truly decides to do something about it, things can only get worse.
I have an idea, folks. How about an NBA sponsored Floppers Anonymous program? The afflicted players could get together in a private setting (David Stern's basement?) to discuss their shared addiction and find solutions. Borrowing from AA's purpose statement, I came up with the following: Floppers Anonymous® is a fellowship of NBA basketball players who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from their addiction to flopping. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop flopping. There are no dues or fees for FA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. FA is not allied with any particular team or organization; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to eliminate flopping and help other flopoholics become fair players.
the problem is when Yao flops he probably does not get the favor as well, not like other way when his opponent flops Yao fouls
