Phoenix Suns shooting guard Bradley Beal on Sunday became a trending topic for a sideline moment he had with his head coach Frank Vogel. The 3-time All-Star has since downplayed the incident.
Beal had a miserable performance in the decisive Game 4 of the Suns’ first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Florida alum had just nine points on 4/13 shooting in the 122-116 loss at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Ariz.
The 31-year-old went viral on social media midway through the third quarter of Game 4 when Beal visibly slapped away Vogel’s attempt at a high five.
On Monday, Beal assured reporters that the incident was “nothing toward coach” but rather a display of frustration toward himself.
“I didn’t see it. I slapped him hard? I was frustrated with fouls and I knew I was coming out. It was nothing against coach. I’m sorry, that probably did look bad. I was more frustrated with myself for being in foul trouble,” said Beal.
Before his sideline interaction with Vogel, Beal had just picked up his fourth foul of the contest with 5:52 left in the third quarter. Vogel had opted to sub out Beal to preserve him for the fourth quarter.
Beal has been ridiculed online for more reasons than one. The Suns guard had a 4-word reaction to one of his viral quotes gone wrong.
