NBA to institute fines for flopping

As much as the game is entertainment, these days some players are making there money from some incredible acting skills. I'm not talking about Shaq in Kazaam, or even Dennis Rodman in that Jean Claude Van Dam movie (what the hell was that called again?). I'm referring to the Manu Ginobilis and Vlade Divacs of the world. The segment of players who are considered to be "floppers" - wildly flailing at the slightest touch as if a major assault were just laid upon their face. Although the specific amounts have yet to be disclosed, the NBA will start instituting fines for players "flopping".

Stu Jackson, the NBA executive vice president of basketball operations was quoted as saying: "What was clearly expressed to the committee is that we would begin imposing fines next season for the most egregious type of flops. When players are taking a dive, for lack of a better term."

I am a bit torn about the decision but I think it is for the betterment of the game as a whole. In my mediocre playing days I wouldn't have classified myself as a "flopper", but I definitely added a bit of gusto to those charges just to ensure I got the call. Sure, it took some acting and occasional bits of faking, but there is real skill involved in correctly positioning yourself to take a charge - and even when you flop a bit, landing on the hardwood never feels great. The flopping that kills me, personally is the non-charging flops, that are typically away from the ball or during tangles or box-outs - that is what the NBA should really be focusing in on.

Enjoy some of the finest flopping videos around, here:
Robert Horry, phantom falling - yep that'd be a fine
Amazingly terrible Manu Ginobili flop
Andrei Kirilenko makes Matt Barnes look like he has Superman strength
Baron Davis manages to flop even when the game is stopped - WOW
Vlade Divac - The Art of Flopping