KANTO — A local Magikarp has been fined $15,000 for flopping during its latest playoff match after a recent rule change, sources confirm.
“The Pokemon in question has been warned multiple times during the regular season that this type of exaggerated contact would not be tolerated moving forward,” said Battle Judge Chairman Ira Pickens. “The Magikarp’s trainer appealed the punishment claiming ‘Splash’ is the only move it knows, however, after investigation we have concluded this is not the case and proceeded with our decision.”
This ruling comes after a regular season stricken with Pokemon intentionally falling in an attempt to trick officials into rewarding them with a foul call against their opponent.
“It’s gotten to the point where we can’t even touch them without getting penalized,” said one disgruntled trainer whose Golem was deemed ‘too aggressive’ when battling the fish out of water. “I’m glad they’re finally cracking down on this disgraceful manipulation of the rules.”
While many trainers seem to be happy with this new ruling, fans of professional Pokemon Battles have shown concern regarding the growing control officials now have over the game.
“Back in my day we didn’t have these new-fangled rules for protecting Pokemon, it used to be simple; first one to faint loses,” said longtime Indigo Plateau League fan Carter David. “Trainers these days are too soft, filling their Pokemon up with Rare Candies and coddling them like Nurse Joy.”
While this aggressive fine is currently only limited to postseason battles, the referee committee has stated the rule will be implemented in the regular season starting next year.
“I think it’s a slippery slope, but something had to be done,” said Dragon-type Elite Four member Lance. “The integrity of competition has come into question, if left unchecked, there’d be nothing stopping a trainer from pulling out a gun during a battle and demanding his opponent forfeit.”
At press time, Splash has been added to the ‘banned moves list’ along with one-hit KO move, Guillotine.
