NBA memo regarding jumping on a player’s back during free throw attempts
The NBA issued the following memo regarding instances of a player jumping on an opponent’s back during a free throw attempt:
MEMO TO: NBA OWNERS, GENERAL MANAGERS, COACHES AND GAME OFFICIALS
FROM: KIKI VANGEWEGHE, EVP, BASKETBALL OPERATIONS; MIKE BANTOM, EVP, REFEREE OPERATIONS
RE: JUMPING ON A PLAYER'S BACK DURING FREE THROW ATTEMPTS
We have recently seen instances during games in which a player, in order to commit a deliberate foul, jumps on an opponent’s back during a free throw attempt. This is a potentially dangerous play against a player in a vulnerable position.
Please be advised that the referees have been instructed to evaluate such plays under all applicable playing rules, including the rules relating to Flagrant Fouls. Players remain free to commit deliberate fouls during free throw attempts, but such fouls will be assessed as Flagrant if they meet the applicable criteria. (See this memo of October 26 for the factors used in determining and classifying Flagrant Fouls.)
Please contact either of us if you have any questions.
It's just stupid to jump on a player's back during a free throw attempt anyway, it's too easy to wait until the ball is rebounded (on a miss) or inbounded (on a make) to commit your hack-a-whoever foul.
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