Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal is expected to face charges stemming from an incident involving fans after a game last week.
According to TMZ Sports, as Beal walked down the locker room tunnel after the Wizards’ loss to the Orlando Magic on March 21, an unidentified fan in a group yelled at him, “You —— me [out of] $1,300, you —-!”
Beal stopped to confront the group of fans, appearing to knock the hat off one fan. He then reportedly argued with the heckler, saying, “I don’t give a —- about none of your bets or your parlays, bro. That ain’t why I play the game.”
According to the report, the “tense” exchange lasted about 50 seconds before someone persuaded Beal to go to the locker room.
The man who allegedly had his hat knocked off contacted the Orlando Police Dept. to file a report, claiming he had been hit in the head. He told police he wants to press charges. After further investigation, including a review of cell phone video, police noted there is enough evidence to charge Beal with simple battery, and according to TMZ, “charges will be filed at large with the State Attorney’s Office.”
The 29-year-old Beal, who signed a five-year max contract worth up to $251 million last offseason, is a three-time All-Star. He’s averaging 23.2 points and 5.4 assists per game this season.
