Dirk Nowitzki: NBA flopping rules 'a bunch of crap'

Dirk Nowitzki called the NBA's new anti-flopping rules "a bunch of crap" on Thursday. (Glenn James, Getty Images)

Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki had some strong words aimed at the NBA's new anti-flopping rules on Thursday, calling them "a bunch of crap," The Dallas Morning News' Eddie Sefko reported Thursday.

“I never looked at myself as a big flopper,’’ Nowitzki said Thursday after the Mavericks arrived in Germany for their preseason opener on Saturday. “If you play me physical then, obviously, I got to sell the call and get to the [free-throw] line. That’s just part of the game. We’ll have to see how they enforce that.

“I think it’s a bunch of crap to be honest with you. Are they going to come back after a game and fine you for flopping? That’s tough to do to me.’’

On Wednesday, the NBA said it would fine repeat "flopping" offenders this season.

Players will get a warning the first time and would be fined $5,000 for a second violation. The fines would soar to $10,000 for a third offense, $15,000 for a fourth and $30,000 for a fifth. Six and beyond could garner a suspension.

Stern, who was also in Germany, said he has gotten a different reaction from other players.

“Actually, many players have said, that’s great,’’ Stern said. “Now we can make the game about basketball talent rather than acting talent. “I think the players association has a different perspective. I guess they like acting. But we think we have the greatest athletes in the world playing at a very high pace and they should be rewarded for that great play and they shouldn’t cause the game to be decided on anything other than their basketball merits.’’