Sixers' Ivey receives warning for violating NBA’s anti-flopping policy
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ByBen Golliver
The NBA officially warned Sixers guard Royal Ivey for violating its anti-flopping policy on Sunday.
Ivey's flop occurred with a little under 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter of a 99-89 road loss to the Grizzlies at the FedEx Forum on Dec. 26. Ivey was defending Jerryd Bayless on the perimeter as Darrell Arthur attempted to set a high screen behind him. Arthur moved into the screen a little bit but made only marginal contact with his hands around Ivey's waist; nevertheless, Ivey jumped forward and threw both of his arms into the air to simulate a harder hit. Arthur was whistled for an offensive foul for an illegal screen. Video of the flop can be seen here on NBA.com.
This flop was similar to one performed by Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari in the league’s official video introducing its flopping policy. During that play, Gallinari, attempting to fight through a high screen from Pau Gasol, simulated significant contact and went to the ground in pain.
"While defending against a legal ball screen, the defensive player, No. 8 in the white uniform, absorbs solid contact from the screener. However, the reaction by No. 8, which includes a flail, a spin and fall to the floor, and apparent demonstration of injury, was a gross overembellishment and was inconsistent with the degree of contact received on the play. Again, this is a flop that will be penalized."
Ivey became the eleventh player warned under the new system, joining Magic center Gustavo Ayon, Rockets center Omer Asik, Hawks center Zaza Pachulia, Clippers guard Chauncey Billups, Nets forward Gerald Wallace, Rockets forward Patrick Patterson, Nets forward Reggie Evans, Thunder guard Kevin Martin, Timberwolves guard J.J. Barea and Cavaliers guard Donald Sloan. Wallace and Evans have each been fined $5,000 as repeat violators.
Ivey will now be subject to fines if they are deemed to have violated the policy again. The sliding fine scale looks like this.
Violation 2: $5,000 fine
Violation 3: $10,000 fine
Violation 4: $15,000 fine
Violation 5: $30,000 fine
For a sixth (or any subsequent) violation of the rule, the player will be subject to such discipline as the League determines is reasonable under the circumstances, including an increased fine and/or suspension.
Ivey, 31, is averaging 2.8 points and 1.2 rebounds per game for the Sixers. He is on the books for $1.2 million this season.
