Troy Aikman didn’t mince words during Monday Night Football’s Week 16 broadcast, calling out what he saw as an “NBA-level flop” by a New Orleans Saints defender. While the game between the Green Bay Packers and the injury-riddled Saints wasn’t much of a contest, Aikman and his co-commentator, Joe Buck, found ways to keep things entertaining sometimes at the expense of the players on the field.
The moment came early in the game when Packers quarterback Jordan Love connected with Dontayvion Wicks for an easy touchdown. Nearby, Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry hit the turf and began shouting for a pass interference flag, despite the lack of any actual contact.
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A flop worthy of the hardwood
Aikman wasn’t impressed. “I haven’t seen a flop quite like that in the NFL,” he said, with Buck adding, “No, not in this sport.” Aikman then took it a step further: “Christmas is coming up, the NBA is going to be all over the tube. They’ve got that move mastered.”
The exchange sparked laughter from viewers and a fresh round of discussion on social media about flopping in professional sports.
NFL vs. NBA: a tale of two cultures
Aikman’s jab at the NBA highlights a common criticism of the basketball world: the tendency for players to exaggerate contact in hopes of drawing fouls. While this tactic has become a frustratingly familiar part of NBA games, it’s far less common in the NFL, where physicality is the name of the game.
Fans were quick to side with Aikman, pointing out that the NFL doesn’t need the kind of theatrics often seen on the hardwood. “Leave the flopping to basketball,” one fan tweeted.
Aikman’s humor hits home
The commentary from Aikman and Buck served as a reminder that even in lopsided games, humor can elevate the broadcast. The Packers dominated the Saints, but Aikman’s sharp critique of McKinstry’s over-the-top reaction stole the spotlight.
While the NBA may have perfected the art of flopping, NFL players like McKinstry should think twice before borrowing that playbook. As Aikman subtly suggested, there’s no room for that kind of drama in football.
