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Flopternity, Flop Flop Flop

O’Neal ready for flop factor

Shaquille O’Neal is a man of nearly as many languages as interests. When discussing New Jersey forward Jason Collins after Saturday’s practice, the Heat center spoke Greek.

“They’re all the same,” O’Neal said of opposing interior defenders, from former NBA center Vlade Divac through Collins. “They all have their flop fraternity. A flopternity is what I call them.”

Flop flop flop?

“Flop flop flop,” he said. “I just have to mix it up and stay out of foul trouble, and I will. I’m going to enjoy mixing it up.”

Alonzo Mourning briefly shared a frontcourt with Collins as a Net in 2003 and 2004.

“What frustrates me is not the player, it’s the way the league has called games,” Mourning said. “I was a part of this game when flopping wasn’t a factor. Now they’re making flopping a factor and the league is helping those guys.”

From ESPN.com’s Page 2:

Phoenix Suns guard Raja Bell stands before the flop judges …

MILLER: (grinning) I like your style. Simple physics tells me that Earl Boykins would never be able to send you flying with a slight push from his forearm. Yet somehow, you convinced me. You’re on to the next round.

DIVAC: (puffing a cigarette) Next time, more head snap. I want to see whiplash! (More puffing). Otherwise, way to take … (snickering) the charge.

LAIMBEER: (smirking) That was dreadful. No scream. No wince. And you got up way too quickly. Remember: You’ve just been shot (shaking head). I’ve seen better stuff from Shane Battier. And that’s when he was in college.

[SUN-SENTINEL]
[PAGE 2, THE ART OF THE FLOP]