Bogdan Bogdanovic Calls for ‘Red Cards’ to End NBA Flopping
In a sport where the “art of the sell” has long been a contentious part of the game, LA Clippers guard Bogdan Bogdanovic is proposing a solution that would send shockwaves through the league: the introduction of a red card.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on May 8, 2026, the nine-year NBA veteran suggested a radical shift in how officials handle flopping. Bogdanovic argues that players who deceive referees to gain an advantage should face immediate ejection following a video review.
“I think it’s time for a red card in basketball,” Bogdanovic wrote. “If you flop to get advantage on a play, play gets reviewed, instant red card. Thank you!”
The Catalyst: Lakers vs. Thunder
The proposal didn’t emerge in a vacuum. It followed a specific sequence during Game 2 of a series between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night. The moment that sparked the discussion involved Thunder center Chet Holmgren and Lakers center Deandre Ayton.
During a battle for post position, Holmgren fell backward, drawing a foul call. However, the Lakers challenged the ruling. Upon review, officials determined that Holmgren had flopped to manufacture the contact, and the call was overturned to a foul on the Thunder center. For Bogdanovic, this instance served as a prime example of why current penalties are insufficient.
Breaking Down the Current Flopping Rule
To understand why Bogdanovic’s suggestion is considered “extreme,” one must look at the existing framework. For the 2024-25 season, the NBA introduced a specific flopping rule designed to curb the practice without disrupting the game’s flow.
Under current regulations, a player found to be flopping is assessed a non-unsportsmanlike technical foul. This results in one free throw for the opposing team. Crucially, because it is “non-unsportsmanlike,” the technical does not count toward the limit that leads to an automatic ejection. It is a financial and scoreboard penalty, but not a personnel one.
For a veteran like Bogdanovic, a single free throw is a negligible price to pay for a potentially game-changing foul or a momentum-shifting stop. By introducing a “red card,” the penalty would shift from a minor tactical setback to a catastrophic loss for the team.
Analysis: Deterrence vs. Game Integrity
The debate over flopping is essentially a battle between the “dark arts” of basketball and the league’s desire for a cleaner product. From a journalistic perspective, Bogdanovic’s proposal raises several critical questions about the balance of power on the court.
The Case for the Red Card
The primary argument is deterrence. In soccer, the red card is the ultimate deterrent; the fear of leaving teammates shorthanded often prevents the most egregious fouls. If a player knows that a failed flop could result in an immediate trip to the locker room, the incentive to deceive the officials vanishes instantly. It would effectively clean up the game and reward players who play through contact.
The Risks of Ejection
However, the “instant red card” approach carries significant risks. Basketball is a game of runs and tight rotations. Ejecting a key starter for a non-violent, albeit deceptive, act could disproportionately affect the outcome of a game. It places an immense amount of pressure on the replay officials. A “wrong” call on a flop would no longer just be a missed foul—it would be a game-altering mistake that removes a player from the court.
Who is Bogdan Bogdanovic?
Bogdanovic is not a newcomer to the league’s nuances. As a veteran guard for the LA Clippers, he brings a global perspective to the game, having played in Europe before his NBA tenure. His career has been defined by steady scoring and professional reliability.
During the 2025-26 season, Bogdanovic has appeared in 23 games, averaging 7.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. Over his broader NBA career, which spans 526 games, he has maintained a scoring average of 14.0 points per game while shooting 38.1% from beyond the arc. His standing as a respected veteran gives his critique more weight than that of a rookie; he has seen the evolution of the game’s officiating firsthand.
The Broader Context of NBA Officiating
The NBA has been in a constant state of calibration regarding officiating. The increased use of the Replay Center in Secaucus, New Jersey, has allowed the league to correct errors in real-time, but it has also led to a “stop-and-start” rhythm that some fans and players find frustrating.
By suggesting that the replay be used specifically for a “red card” ejection, Bogdanovic is proposing a high-stakes use of technology. It transforms the replay monitor from a tool of correction into a tool of punishment.
Quick Comparison: Current Rule vs. Bogdanovic’s Proposal
| Feature | Current NBA Rule (2024-25) | Bogdanovic’s Proposal |
|---|---|---|
| Penalty | Non-unsportsmanlike Technical | Instant Red Card (Ejection) |
| Opponent Reward | One Free Throw | Numerical Advantage (4 vs 5) |
| Review Process | Official’s discretion / Limited review | Mandatory Video Review |
| Player Impact | Stays in game | Immediate removal from game |
What Happens Next?
While it is unlikely the NBA will adopt an ejection-style penalty for flopping in the immediate future, Bogdanovic’s comments highlight a growing frustration among players. The league typically gathers feedback from the Players Association (NBPA) and officiating committees during the off-season to tweak rules for the following year.
Whether the “red card” ever makes it to the hardwood, the conversation itself serves as a reminder that the league is still searching for a way to penalize deception without compromising the entertainment value of the sport.
The NBA has not officially responded to Bogdanovic’s suggestion. The league’s focus remains on the current postseason push and the continued refinement of the 2024-25 flopping guidelines.
Do you agree with Bogdanovic? Should a flop result in an immediate ejection, or is a technical foul enough? Let us know in the comments below.
