• One of the fastest-growing issues in the NBA over the past few years has been 'flopping,' or intentionally falling down to induce a foul call against an opponent when little or no contact has been made. The NBA will soon finalize rules to officially combat this annoying tactic (which is much more prevalent in soccer) that has altered the competitive balance in multiple contests recently.
• Although it's not official yet, it's likely that there will be postgame reviews to fine players caught in the act. That way officials aren't forced to determine intent during the game and they won't have to slow the game down by looking at multiple reviews per contest.
• There is no word from the NCAA on whether or not they will try something similar in the college game yet, which is fortunate for some players.
Weekend lacking marquee NFL games
• If you had to choose one weekend not to watch the NFL (and instead reading Monday morning’s Sportico update) this weekend might be the one to pick. Many questions we have coming into this weekend will remain unanswered. Are the Cardinals and Seahawks really good? They’re both playing terrible teams. Are the Saints really bad? They’re playing the Packers. Is Brett Favre still retired? Yes, but he might decide to come back any time in the next 40 years.
• Probably the most competitive game on paper this weekend is the San Diego Chargers at the Kansas City Chiefs. Both teams are trying to break through; the Chargers have underachieved for years and the Chiefs are a team on the rise, winning the AFC West in 2010 and coming within a blocked field goal of winning it again last year despite multiple huge injuries and a coaching change. The Chiefs are coming off of an overtime victory over the Saints, and a massive performance by the NFL's leading rusher, Jamaal Charles.
• The New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers are coming off of losses that were questionable (or in the case of the Packers downright stolen). The Patriots are looking to get back on track vs. their division foe Buffalo Bills, while the Packers are looking to get off the schnide themselves and continue the Saints' miserable start of the season.
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