"Offensive" and "Foul"

A question was texased to me via one of my most insightful BFF's (G.C.M.): "What are your thoughts on the NBA's flopping problem?" This is how I responded to him through my iPhone XR: "I think the players have forced the officials to make bad calls. I always think it's unfortunate when the players are trying to fool the refs into putting points on the scoreboard for them. A reset button needs to be pushed and redefine the rules. To me, the true form of taking a 'charge' was a sign of toughness instituted by Bobby Knight at Indiana University in the 80's. There was no acting (a.k.a. flopping) involved because the players truly cringed when they were run over (mind you, this was the era of dominant big men and quintessential post play, power and force....the finesse game of shooting 3's all the time had not been birthed yet, so getting flattened was a badge of courage). But, 'drawing a charge' has evolved into a play that takes away from the integrity of the game because it is so overused now. So overused, that players can draw a 'flop warning' resulting in a foul shot and possession for the offensive player." G.C.M.'s texased response: "I'm speechless, well said!" My response to that response: "I've been waiting for the right person to ask me that question. Thank you." G.C.M.'s response: "You're welcome."

Decades ago it was written: in its purest form, pick up games of basketball all across asphalt and dirt courts across the U.S.A. that taking a charge has no place on the playgrounds. You want to stand up to your competition and compete against shots, not lie down in front of the shooter. Pick up games rely on complete integrity because no referees are involved. Imagine trying to take a charge and getting dunked on at the playground. You would rather try and block the dunk, right? I hope so.