NBA tells teams jumping on player's back could be flagrant foul

NEW YORK -- The NBA has informed teams that jumping on a player's back to commit an intentional foul could be ruled a flagrant violation.

In a memo sent to teams Tuesday and posted on NBA.com/official, the league called the tactic a "potentially dangerous play against a player in a vulnerable position."

Teams were told that referees have been instructed to evaluate whether the tactic, which has been used to foul poor free throw shooters such as Dwight Howard and Andre Drummond, meets the criteria of a flagrant foul.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Saturday there would be no new rules regarding the Hack-a-Shaq this season but that a memo would be sent this week to teams clarifying the interpretation of that play.