NEW YORK -- D.C. United's Charlie Davies has been fined $1,000 by MLS for taking a blatant dive to draw a penalty kick that led to a goal late in Saturday's game against Real Salt Lake.

Davies flopped to the ground in front of Chris Wingert in the 83rd minute. The referee awarded a penalty kick despite Wingert's protest, and Davies converted to salvage a 1-1 draw.

MLS has been trying to crack down on diving this season. League vice president Nelson Rodriguez said Friday that "this type of behavior tarnishes the image of the league."

He says future diving infractions that impact a game could lead to suspensions.



Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press