NBA Announces Plan to Fine Floppers

Here's some bad news for Manu Ginobili, Anderson Varejao and every other player who develops an apparent inner-ear disorder every time an opponent so much as breaths in their direction: the NBA will begin fining players next year for taking a dive.

Stu Jackson, the NBA's VP of basketball operations, confirmed to ESPN's Marc Stein on Thursday night that the league will penalize players for "the most egregious type of flops" as determined by in-arena observers and video reviews. The fine schedule has not yet been determined, but given the league's attitude toward technical and flagrant fouls, by the time it's complete it could include escalating fines and (cross your fingers) even suspensions for repeat offenders.

While some players will need some time to adjust, offensive players will love the rule, as will fans at home who no longer have to suffer through games disrupted by players falling down instead of playing defense. Also, I think fining the players rather than calling an actual foul is the way to do it, especially since the motivation is to enhance the flow the game. Plus, I think there will be more pressure on refs to simply "let them play," since officials will be nervous about calling a foul on a play that later earns a player a fine.

I don't think this news will get quite the attention it deserves right now, but it's something fans are definitely going to notice and appreciate next season.