"free" throws

[Blackhawk357]

Originally posted by Nevadaref
Boys 1A State Championship 54-53 with about 20 seconds left. The team behind by one is shooting the last of two free throws. The defensive player in the low block claps two or three times after the shooter has received the ball and while he shoots. The shooter misses. The officials did nothing, they had to foul and lost 56-53. I was sitting courtside and thought that I would have called disconcertion.

Boy, that would be tough for me. A few questions if I may:

1) Was the defensive player also encouraging his teammates in a sportsmanlike manner?

2) Had the situation happened prior to the last 20 seconds?

3) If so, had the game officials discussed the consequences of this action with the players?

4) Had there been any unsportsmanlike behavior at any other time in the game?

There are most likely more questions that other poeple would have. This is, IMO, another HTBT situation that will be very tough to decide here, but it's a fun discussion.

Blakchawk