More Ethics

[slim]

I saw these plays a couple of times and I think they are low, but not illegal I suppose.

1) I don't remember exactly how it went down but here is the jist of it. There were maybe 4-5 players in the pot after the turn card and an EP bets and a couple of people call and the button string raises on purpose (at least that's what appeared to me because this guy was no beginner). Then the dealer pushes back his raise and pllayer objects half heartedly. River comes and of course everyone checks to him and he checks and got a free showdown with only second pair no kicker.
2)this also happened long time ago so I can't remmeber details but MP flops a boat and raises but pretends that he only wants to call an EP bet. After he threw in the raise, he immediately "tries" to take the raise back out of the pot and says he only wanted to call. Of course, dealer says money stays in and of course everyone behind him calls the raise.

Are these plays unethical or illegal?