Blake's response to the rule is great: http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--blake-griffin--nba-s-new-flopping-rule-is-just-a-money-grab.html
I think the line is pretty clear. Basically, if it's actually a foul, then no fine, even if the contact was embellished. But if the contact would not have been called a foul and the flopper still flopped, then a fine occurs.
That's just asinine, flopping shouldn't be a part of the game PERIOD. IF you're going to take a charge, make sure the guy actually knocks you over, instead of jerking like you're on an invisible string. And FYI Griffin would be discontent with the new rule wouldn't he? Afterall he's the biggest flopper in LA with Chris Fall
unless they call the same calls on superstars.. you are always going to have the Jordan rules, Wades phantom calls, Lebrons crab dribbles, and Kobe's "breath on me and get a foul" type calls, etc, etc... if anything these rules will help the superstars since players won't be able to flop against them.
I think this is a good first step in the right direction to eliminate flopping, but it shouldn't be the final step. In that article, Blake makes a good point. If a guy is in a situation where he can possibly decide the outcome of the game based on a false call, there is a good incentive to flop, regardless of the fine. To me, it seems like the refs will continue to call what they feel are fouls, and the league will go back and review tapes to fine people who flop. So nothing changes from the perspective of the refs. That will hurt the game though, especially when a flop comes at a critical time. The wrong call will be made, and the only subsequent action taken will be to fine the player who flopped, but the outcome of the game won't be any different; no call will be reversed or anything like that. What I think might help is to give the refs some power, and allow them to review questionable calls in crunch time situations. They should be able to get the call right on the spot, or at least correct/verify it so that the game continues as it should, with the right call made. Basketball is a difficult sport to referee, for sure. It'll slow down the game too, but I think it's another step in the right direction that the NBA should take. It adds a lot of subjectivity though. If the change mentioned in the previous paragraph were put in place, it would give the refs the authority to decide which calls to review and which calls to go with. The video did a good job of showing which plays were going to be fined and which weren't, but there is a level of subjectivity there. For example, I thought the Ronnie Brewer flop should be fined, as he does seem to embellish the contact a bit too much. But, as someone mentioned, I think the objective is to make the right calls, such that a flopper won't be fined if they are fouled, whereas a flopper will be fined if the contact isn't enough to illicit a foul call. Ultimately, I like the rule change, but I would like to see more steps in the future. It'll be interesting to see how the players respond to the rule change during the game, especially towards the end of the season and in the playoffs where the value of every win is seemingly humongous.
They should make a mix video of all the flops that were fined throughout the year, Then award a trophy (maybe a bust of Divac) to the winner. (whoever has the most fines)
The fans and the players were b****ing about all the flopping last year and now they're b****ing about it being officiated? Oh the irony...
Not really. The fines are assessed off the court, after the game is over. If anything, it will make players think twice about flopping during their next game.... maybe, maybe not. It's nice to see that the NBA is trying something to fix this game. Some people are recommending percentages, which makes no sense. A fine is a fine, and should be of equal value across the board. One player's flop holds no greater value than another's. (Remember that I am talking about the player being the variable here, not the situation) It is unlikely these fines change anything in the playoffs, but that doesn't mean it's not ultimately helping the game. More positive results from this than negative, so let us embrace the flopping fines!!!! :grin:
I think $1000 for the first fine, $2000 for the 2nd, $3000 for the 3rd and so on, and I think at a certain point, suspension would be rule.
I've only heard of three "warning" which I find to be ridiculous. There's no way that there's only been three blatant flops this season so far. I've seen many that weren't warned myself.
It's less about the actual fining system that can lead to an eventual suspension. It's more about the deterrence factor of players not wanting to be publicly shamed by the league for doing it, and therefore branded by other athletes, by pundits, and by fans as being soft and hollywood. Accorded to the league's noted expert on flopping, Shane Battier, the flopping rule seems to be working great so far.
