Getty Images
On Tuesday, the NBA decided not to upgrade Dwight Howard‘s flagrant-1 foul that occurred in Game 4 of the 2015 NBA Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors. During the game, the Houston Rockets‘ starting center scuffled with opposing center Andrew Bogut, ending in Howard throwing his left elbow. By maintaining the call of a flagrant-1, the NBA has lost valuable credibility, as the decision simply makes zero sense.
This news, which comes in the wake of several controversial plays in the postseason, is not consistent with the NBA’s decisions so far in the playoffs. Specifically, in the Eastern Conference semifinals, J.R. Smith made a similar play on Jae Crowder. Smith’s foul was called a flagrant-2 during the game, and not only did Smith receive an ejection, he was suspended two additional games by the league.
On Sunday, Al Horford was called for a flagrant-2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, a play that seemed less excessive than Howard’s. Furthermore, Horford had only two flagrant fouls in his entire eight-year NBA career entering the game. On the other hand, Howard had already tallied two flagrant fouls in this season’s playoffs alone. Still, somehow, Horford was dealt the harsher penalty even though Howard’s reputation is much more tainted.
One important detail to note in all of this is that a flagrant-2 would put have put Howard over the limit in the postseason, leading in a one-game suspension. However, the NBA elected to allow Howard to play in Game 5 by not upgrading the foul call. Under Adam Silver, the NBA is looking to become more transparent with their officiating, but this decision does not assist in building a new, cleaner image at all. Although flagrant fouls are a highly subjective decision, there is no excuse for the league in this case.
Nicholas Sciria is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Nick_Sciria, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
