While Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal doesn't feel it would necessarily be warranted, he believes the NBA will come down hard on him for his actions Friday against the Golden State Warriors.
"I’m expecting a suspension," Beal said Saturday following practice, according to The Washington Post's Candace Buckner. "Because of our NBA and the entire situation of it. When you look at film, they’re going to think I purposely tried to hit (Draymond Green) in the face. The way it looks, they’re going to interpret it that way. So, I’m expecting it.”
Beal was ejected Friday after getting into a scuffle with Warriors forward Green (who was also ejected), with the two wrestling each other to the ground at Oracle Arena after Beal struck Green in the face, whether inadvertent or not.
Related - Draymond defends retaliating against Beal: 'What was I supposed to do?'
The Wizards take the floor Sunday against the Sacramento Kings, ending their four-game road trip against Western Conference opponents. Beal's fate will be determined ahead of time, and should he be ruled out, Washington will be ready to go without him.
"We prepared for it today (during practice) just in case that does happen," Beal said. "The team prepared for it but at the same time, I’m still positive that I will play and just receive a fine for it."
Beal spent Saturday morning explaining his side of the story to both the players' union and NBA security.
He may not be the only Wizards player to be punished for what transpired Friday, though. Kelly Oubre threw punches during the skirmish to separate Beal and Green, while teammates Markieff Morris and Carrick Felix left the bench, which is against league rules.
