Confessions of a Diver

Something needs to be done. For a player to fall to the earth writhing in pain only to admit later to the press that he dove can not be tolerated. The Dallas Morning News reported that Eddie Johnson admitted to faking injury from Eddie Pope's challenge in their game on Saturday. Johnson is even quoted to saying, "'I still can't do it as well as him,' ... laughing, and pointing toward teammate Carlos Ruiz." (www.dallasnews.com).

Further explanation of the article was provided by the reporter, Steve Davis. He provides a more elaborate account of the conversation with Eddie as he admits three times to "faking." I have confirmed with Mr. Davis that this account on BigSoccer is truly legit.

It should be interesting to see how this is handled by the league. Seeing that Johnson is the hottest american goal scorer right now (in MLS and on the national team) he may receive a slap on the wrist. Or an example could be made of him to deter others from diving/faking injury, or at least admitting it. I don't see how the red card suspension for Eddie Pope will be changed, even though in this writers opinion it should be considered.

For the image of soccer and the league as a whole something needs to be done.