NBA Implementing Rule to Regulate Flopping

Taking a cue from the NFL's lack of quality control during the replacement referee fiasco, the NBA competition committee is using their centralized power to change the league's flopping culture. From reporter Jennifer Hale:

"

At NBA meetings: league cracking down on flopping. New rule this season: NBA will now review action for flops post game & fine offenders.

— Jennifer Hale (@JenHale504) Sept. 27, 2012"

UPDATE: Wednesday, October 3 at 6:07 p.m. ET by Ryan Rudnansky

The NBPA apparently isn't happy with the NBA's decision to start cracking down on flopping. The NBPA plans to file a suit against the NBA, according to Ken Berger of CBSSports.com.

Berger tweeted on Wednesday:

"

NBPA announces it will file grievance and unfair labor practices charge against #NBA over new flopping fines.

— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) October 3, 2012"

--- END OF UPDATE ---

UPDATE: Wednesday, October 3 at 1:40 p.m. ET by Brandon Galvin

The NBA has finally released details of its plan to regulate flopping, according to New York Times' Howard Beck. 

"

NBA just announced new anti-flopping policy: Warning for 1st violation, $5k fine on 2nd, then $10k, $15k and $30k on subsequent violations

— Howard Beck (@HowardBeckNYT) October 3, 2012"

"

Player called for sixth flopping violation will get "discipline that is reasonable under circumstances," incl bigger fine and/or suspension

— Howard Beck (@HowardBeckNYT) October 3, 2012"

---END OF UPDATE---

Details have not been disclosed on how fines will be assessed. This NBA mandate, though, signifies the league office's willingness to improve the quality of the game.

Unlike soccer, in which flopping has been ingrained into the sport for decades, the embellishment has been a recent phenomena in hoops. In 2012, "the flop" became prevalent in the preseason all the way to the NBA postseason.

Even the game's best started to use the muddled interpretations between a charge and a blocking foul to their advantage; just Google "NBA flops," and you’ll get the picture.

In conjunction, the anti-flopping movement rose up to counter it—from the blogosphere (e.g. TrueHoop's "Flop of the Night") to the airwaves.

The anti-flopping movement's unofficial vocal leader, ESPN NBA broadcaster Jeff Van Gundy, certainly will be pleased by the news.

The league may not distribute million dollar fines like Van Gundy called for after one particularly egregious flop from Mickael Pietrus, but this is certainly a step in the right direction.

The "Stop the Flop" movement has gained significant ground. Sept. 27, 2012 marks a victorious day for NBA fans and basketball purists.

Follow @TheRealShiek