> Even more infuriating (for me) is basketball The fact that a foul stops the clock isn't really the problem. The problem is the cost/benefit in that scenario

> Even more infuriating (for me) is basketball The fact that a foul stops the clock isn't really the problem. The problem is the cost/benefit in that scenario favors stopping play with the intentional foul. Remember that the only reason stopping the clock even helps is because the foul (essentially) ends the opponent's possession. With a slightly different penalty (like a free throw but they keep the ball) that strategy is no longer viable.