Flopping is a common act in sports that has existed for several years now. Even some of our favorite players have been guilty of committing the not-so-honorable act. It is rare to sit through an entire game where not a single person takes an exaggerated blow or a dramatic fall to the ground. Flopping has been deeply ingrained in our sports culture, and while it, at first, was simply just an amusing incident that drew a little laughter, it is beginning to play a negative role in how modern sports are being perceived.
The first question for many who may be unfamiliar with sports jargon is most likely “What does it even mean to flop?” Flopping is when an athlete dramatizes or overreacts to any physical contact in a way that creates the illusion that excessive contact was inflicted by the other team. Typically, the end goal of flopping is to draw a favorable call, decision, or outcome from the officiating team, giving the team whose member “flopped” a significant advantage. While the humor in these practices is notable, it is also clear to see how this can create an unfair playing field amongst the athletes. Flopping is considered to be a popular form of poor sportsmanship Many athletes believe that flopping actually ruins the integrity of the sport, making sports less about which athletes can compete the best but rather which athletes can get the most calls in their favor. Many players have disputed with referees over their exaggerated injuries, another factor that decreases the legitimacy of the sport. If athletes can openly protest their acts of deceptive or illusory behavior, then what is the purpose of giving actual effort in a game.
Fortunately, flopping does not have a 100% success rate. There are some falls or bumps that have been so absurd that even referees have turned a blind eye to the ridiculous act. In some cases, however, flopping has proven to be a costly factor in the outcome of a game or match. There have been basketball games that have been decided by one or two points, and the decision ultimately came down to a flop that led to a team getting two free foul shots. This is another instance where flopping interferes with the authenticity of sports and instead makes it political. Sports outlets have spoken up about flopping, deeming it as a cheap way to win. As a result, many people label this era of sports as “soft” and “weak” as its focus is not solely on grit and determination but rather winning through deceptive methods.
Overall, flopping is an epidemic, and there is a growing reliance on referees to call out this malbehavior of athletes in order to maintain the rawness of several sports. Athletes must also take the initiative in maintaining sport legitimacy by playing a fair and honorable game. If these factors change, then the public perception of sport will improve in the future.
