Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s playoff whistle has become such a hot topic that it has now sparked a legal dispute.
The Thunder superstar has reportedly sent a cease-and-desist letter to fantasy sports company Underdog Sports over “Unethical Hoops,” a parody board game that pokes fun at his ability to draw fouls.
Inspired by the classic game Operation, the concept features a buzzer that goes off whenever SGA is touched.
The company recently promoted a giveaway of 100 copies during the Western Conference Finals, drawing significant attention online and even earning support from Suns forward Dillon Brooks.
SGA’s legal team responded by demanding that Underdog “permanently cease and desist from any and all use of Mr. Gilgeous-Alexander’s [name, image and likeness] in any and all media, including but not limited to your website (including the Unethical Hoops Website), apps, social media accounts, digital marketing and advertisements, promotional emails, push notifications, affiliate or influencer placements, and any physical goods including but not limited to the board game advertised on the Unethical Hoops Website.”
The letter reportedly also called for all existing copies of the game to be destroyed. The controversy stems from ongoing criticism of Gilgeous-Alexander’s foul-drawing style.
According to the Athletic, no player has attempted more free throws over the last four years, with SGA holding a 391-attempt advantage over the next closest player.
This postseason, he has converted 120 free throws while making 114 field goals. For his part, the MVP says the outside noise has little impact on him.
“It does nothing,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Doesn’t fuel me, doesn’t discourage me. It’s part of the game.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sends legal threat to company game mocking his constant flops https://t.co/MQFye4ppRb pic.twitter.com/LlhEzdYevL
— New York Post (@nypost) May 28, 2026
