So we're back to the stick lift being the automatic penalty button again...

I don't have this problem, but my friend has this problem with every version of the game and still does.

It's your gameplaying style and your timing. It's not the game itself.

If anything, since last year I've noticed how I can get away with using the stick lift button a lot more now and not get any penalties. To the point where I'm actually surprised that I got away with what I was trying lol and that I can use it to hook a guy instead of smack the back of his legs and get a tripping penalty.