Report: Pacers’ Lance Stephenson Fined $5k for Flopping
By Mathew Muncy
Jan 16, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (1) waits to check into the game against the New York Knicks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats New York 117- 89. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
As reported by ESPN, Indiana Pacers‘ Lance Stephenson has been fined $5,000 by the NBA for flopping. This was Stephenson’s second violation of the league’s anti-flopping policy. He will be assessed a $10,000 fine the next time he is caught flopping.
Stephenson was tagged for his second flopping occurrence, or at least the second one caught by the NBA, against the Golden State Warriors last night. It’s hard to tell if Stephenson flopped or was a victim of the slippery court that took out a lot of players last night, but we’ll let you be the judge.
Stephenson received his initial warning back on Jan. 7 against the Toronto Raptors. This one was a little more obvious as he exaggerated a foul in an attempt to make sure the official saw and called it.
Flopping has become another tactic in the Pacers arsenal this season, at least with Stephenson and Paul George. It’s a tactic that Pacers’ fans love to call other teams out for and one they wish their team wouldn’t use. You could say they are simply playing the same game as everyone else, but with this team being heralded for playing and being built the right way, it’s hard to overlook this dirty play.
The $5,000 fine should settle Stephenson down for the rest of the season, but given this is only the second time he’s been caught by the league, yet not the second obvious flop he’s had in a game, it’s likely we will see another flop or two and a couple more fines.
As always, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter, @InkonIndy, “Like” us on Facebook and follow me on Twitter, @MMuncy.