Wizards' Bradley Beal addresses fan incident: Nobody wants to lose money, but don't get personal
Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal addressed the postgame incident with a fan last month that prompted a police investigation at Monday's end-of-season availability.
The altercation occurred after the Wizards lost to the Orlando Magic 122-112 at Amway Arena on March 21 as Beal and the Wizards were exciting the court.
The incident appeared to be over a fan allegedly losing money over a gambling bet.
"Nobody wants to lose money," Beal said Monday. "I get it. If you keep it about sports, I'm all for it. But I think it's when people start getting personal, talking about your family, talking about your character, your integrity towards the game. I think all of that, we can save it. We can really keep those comments to ourselves."
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Beal says he also understands how the gambling game works, but it shouldn't carry over to the arena.
"I understand. I go to casinos, I gamble, I understand that," he said. "But I also understand it's probably a 99% chance I'm going to lose. I'm not sitting here about to get angry at the dealer or angry at everybody else."
According to the Orlando Police Department’s case report of the incident, "Probable cause exists to charge Beal with Simple Battery."
"While greeting the players (redacted)’s friend made a remark to Washington Wizards player Bradley Beal, stating something alone the lines of, 'You made me lost $1,300 you (expletive),'" the Orlando Police Department’s case report stated. "Immediately after the comment was made, (redacted) stated Beal approached him and with his right hand, swatted his hat off his head. In doing so, Beal made contact with the left side of his head, hitting him. (Redacted) did not give Beal permission to touch or strike him."
Beal also expressed his frustration with the season after the Wizards went 35-47 and missed the playoffs, but plans to return next season to Washington.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Wizards' Bradley Beal addresses fan incident: Don't get personal
