Thou shalt not foul!

[Reddevil]

The first basketball game I ever watched was the NCAA semi-final matching David Thompson and NC State against Bill Walton and UCLA. Needless to say, I have been hooked ever since. Back then, and in the '80 and 90's teams with the lead in the final minutes rarely made the mistake of fouling the team trying to catch up. In fact, when it did happen the announcers groaned and went nuts. The coaches would immediately sub-in for the offender and make a huge point of driving home the importance of not fouling now. I still see the coaches' faces in agony over it, but it happens now with amazing frequency. Certainly, the players today are just as smart. Any thoughts on why this has become such an epidemic?

[KenTankerous]

I hate to blame the officials but I think that is what has changed, mostly. The game has also become more and more physical so that contact happens every play.