Much ado about nothing
In what is clearly money-grab situation, a man in Florida is suing Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal in response to a confrontation after a March 21 game in Orlando. Kyler Briffa is seeking damages in excess of $50,000, alleging Beal committed battery and assault.
The Wizards, who were trying to climb their way into the NBA’s play-in games before the playoffs, lost to the Orlando Magic that night, 122-112. As Beal was heading to the locker room, Briffa’s friend yelled at him, “You made me lose $1,300, you fuck!”
Understandably frustrated with losing the game, the last thing Beal wanted to hear was someone blaming him for a gambling loss. He approached Briffa, thinking he was the aggrieved bettor, and swatted his hat off of his head.
TMZ reported at the time that Beal said, “I don’t give a fuck about none of your bets or your parlays, bro. That ain’t why I play the game.”
Police initiated an investigation into the incident; the police report read, “probable cause exists to charge Beal with simple battery.”
Fast forward to Tuesday, April 18, when Briffa filed the lawsuit against Beal in Florida’s 9th Circuit Court. The lawsuit adds a little bit more detail, alleging that Beal said to Briffa, “When you disrespect me, I’m going to press you about it. Do you think this is a joke, do you think this is a joke, do you think this is a joke, do you think this is a joke…because when I press you about it, what are we doing? What are we doing? What are we doing?”
Beal says bettors need to relax
In a recent news conference (the Wizards did not make the play-in round and are done with their season), Beal addressed the situation, seemingly unapologetic, though empathetic with the fan’s frustration.
“Nobody wants to lose money. I get it,” Beal said. “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.”
Several athletes have spoken out about the harassment they have received from people now that sports betting is legal in the majority of US states. They aren’t necessarily against gambling, but wish bettors would get some perspective.
“I understand. I go to casinos; I gamble; I understand that,” Beal said last week. “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.”
