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Oklahoma City Thunder star and two-time consecutive NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken legal action against Underdog Sports over a recent board game promotion that poked fun at his knack for drawing fouls. Gilgeous-Alexander’s legal team issued a cease-and-desist letter demanding the game’s destruction and cessation of using his name, image, or likeness without permission.
Gilgeous-Alexander, widely recognized for his ability to get to the free-throw line, has been both praised and criticized for his style of play, which some say involves exaggerating contact to secure favorable foul calls. This contentious aspect of his game has been a focal point during the Thunder’s intense Western Conference Finals series against the San Antonio Spurs. With the Thunder leading the series 3-2 heading into Game 6, tensions remain high, especially following a recent controversial incident involving Spurs star Victor Wembanyama.
Underdog Sports capitalized on this controversy by releasing a parody version of the classic game Operation, titled “Unethical Hoops.” In this version, the buzzer sounds to signal a foul every time Gilgeous-Alexander is touched.
The company even ran a promotion during Game 3 of the series, giving away 100 copies of the game. However, the stunt backfired when Gilgeous-Alexander’s representatives demanded an end to the promotion and the destruction of all existing games.
Additionally, Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks appeared in advertisements for Unethical Hoops, linking other NBA personalities to the campaign.
The debate over Gilgeous-Alexander’s foul-drawing tactics has been ongoing, with Spurs fans frequently chanting “flopper” during games. Statistically, the Thunder star’s free-throw attempts eclipse those of his peers by a significant margin-he has taken 391 more free throws than the next closest player over the past four seasons, including playoffs. This postseason, Gilgeous-Alexander has sunk 120 free throws compared to 114 field goals.
Despite the criticism, Gilgeous-Alexander remains unfazed. “It does nothing,” he said of the chants and controversy.
“Doesn’t fuel me, doesn’t discourage me. It’s part of the game.
I’ve been dealing with it a long time. I don’t really hear it.
I’m focused on what’s going on on the court.”
As the Western Conference Finals continue, the spotlight on Gilgeous-Alexander’s style of play-and the legal dispute it has sparked-shows no signs of dimming.