I see this as a play which matches the first line of the definition of an IF.
"personal.......foul which neutralizes an opponent's obvious advantageous position."
The swipe at the ball was an afterthought after the mugging.
As I describe this kind of play to myself: He had no chance to do anything but foul................and he knew it.
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I swear, Gus, you'd argue with a possum.
It'd be easier than arguing with you, Woodrow.
Lonesome Dove
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