Dean Rock says players who take a dive should be embarrassed by their behaviour.
The Dublin star didn’t see the weekend incidents of players going down easily in game, highlighted in the media, but he believes it has “crept into the game.”
Rock (33) says he is hopeful the GAA will stamp it out before the start of the Championship.
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The seven-time All-Ireland winner continued: “I didn’t see it, but it’s kind of embarrassing really if you are behaving in that manner.
“It’s a personal decision, like. It’s up to yourself, but it wouldn’t be something that I would do.
“I don’t think I have ever done it. I don’t think many of the players on our team (Dublin) have ever done it.
“That’s all you can do. Look after your own ship and let the powers that be sort it out themselves.
“It’s not something we do. Maybe we are too honest or too naïve. I don’t know. But it’s certainly becoming a problem in Gaelic football. I think it’s definitely crept into the game.
“So it is certainly something that is prevalent in the game. It’s not a good thing for the game.”
Rock believes diving sets a bad example for young players.
“It’s not good for young kids looking in and seeing this,” he said. “Any sort of touch and fellas going down.
“I think players themselves have an accountability to not adhere to that behaviour.
“It’s certainly something that myself or any of the lads on our team wouldn’t condone.
“I don’t think we see too many Dublin players going down or trying to buy frees or win frees too often.
“It’s certainly something that probably needs to be addressed by the powers that be, because it’s difficult for referees when the game is so fast. It’s certainly an issue that needs to be looked at.”
Kerry All-Ireland winning boss Eamonn Fitzmaurice has called on referees to yellow card players who dive, either to win a free or potentially have a player sent off.
Rock is unsure of the best way to stamp diving out, be it yellow cards, red cards or a ban.
“I just genuinely think players have an accountability,” he added.
“But the stakes are so high, teams just want to win. Players want to win.
“Managers want to win, but there is a way of winning, at times. I think we are responsible for that.”
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