Believe It or Not: Shai's Lawyers Demand Ban on Game Mocking Him!

Underdog, a fantasy sports and sports betting company, created a parody of the popular board game "Operation," aptly named "Unethical Hoops." In this version, a buzzer sounds whenever a player touches a figure representing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The company had planned to distribute 100 copies of this game during Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs.

In a letter dated May 22, obtained by The Athletic, Erik Fishman of ArentFox Schiff LLP, the law firm representing the basketball player, demanded that Underdog "permanently cease and desist from any and all use of Mr. Gilgeous-Alexander's NIL rights." The demand covers all media platforms, including websites, applications, social media, digital marketing, promotional materials, and physical products such as the controversial board game.

The legal team also requested the destruction of all game copies and a ban on using Gilgeous-Alexander's name, likeness, or identity without his explicit permission. Underdog declined to comment. Interestingly, Dillon Brooks, the Phoenix Suns forward, appeared in advertisements for the game, published on the Unethical Hoops website and social media. Despite the warning, the website remained active as of Wednesday evening.

Gilgeous-Alexander's uncanny ability to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line has become a central topic of debate as the Thunder contend for an NBA title. He has frequently been accused of "flopping," with many characterizing his playing style as "unethical." Over the last four seasons, including the playoffs, SGA has attempted an astonishing 391 more free throws than the next closest player.

The discussion about "ethics" intensified when San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama began using the term earlier in the season. In the current playoffs, Gilgeous-Alexander has attempted 120 free throws, compared to 114 made field goals. Some journalists have even started counting how many times he falls to the court in an attempt to draw a foul. During Game 3, Underdog organized a contest on X, inviting fans to quote a post every time SGA fell, to win a copy of "Unethical Hoops."

When asked about how he handles fans' chants of "flopper," Gilgeous-Alexander remained unfazed.

"It doesn't affect me. It neither motivates nor discourages me. It's part of the game. I've been dealing with it for a long time. Honestly, I don't even pay attention. I'm solely focused on what's happening on the court," SGA stated during the Western Conference Finals in San Antonio.