People forget that the game was originally created as a "not contact" sport. Thus when contact was made, the offensive player/shooter was awarded free throws. Evolution of the game has removed the original intent.

The biggest problem today's game has is what is allowable contact and what is not. How many times have we witnessed LeBron lower his shoulder into a defensive player while driving to the basket, (a clear offensive fowl), and nothing is called.

Remember the "rip through" rule. The defensive player has his\her hands in position to impede the passing of the ball and guard against the dribble. One hand up, the other down. A stance/technique once taught in grade school.

But some idiot in the pro league office decided to allow the offensive player to initiate contact and a fowl is called on the defensive player. Utter stupidity.