Refs Defend NBA Star's Obvious, Five-step, Traveling Violation

If it looks like Bradley Beal traveling and walks like Bradley Beal traveling, it’s probably Bradley Beal traveling.

Unless it happens against the Detroit Pistons, in which case it is just an egregious non-call that even left Beal laughing.

During the game against the Pistons, the Wizards guard took about five or so steps while driving toward the basket before throwing an awkward pass to teammate Trevor Ariza.

Though Detroit should have gotten the ball thanks to Beal’s violation, the refs ruled that Pistons player Luke Kennard pushed Ariza out of bounds and the Wizards retained possession.

The Pistons' broadcasters didn't let Bradley Beal get away with his travel easily. 😂#DetroitBaskeball #Pistons pic.twitter.com/5ZJSjio3bs

— Pistons Nation (@PistonsNationCP) February 12, 2019

After the game, Beal tweeted, “Look clean to me” accompanied by a pair of laughing emojis as well as a shrugging one.

In a turn that no one, at least no one who is familiar with the concept of dribbling, should have seen coming, the NBA Referee Twitter account – which seeks to encourage communication with the outside world – defended the non-call.

“The offensive player gathers with his right foot on the ground. He then takes two legal steps, before losing control of the ball,” according to the Twitter account. “After regaining possession, a player is allowed to regain his pivot foot and pass or shoot prior to that foot returning to the ground. This is legal.”

After people ripped into the tweet on social media, the NBA Referee account offered a more lengthy explanation for people to continue to mock.

Fumble = legal, and no travel. No fumble = travel. It's understandable for people to think that the offensive player doesn't lose control, and therefore travels. But the officials on the floor deemed it a fumble, and therefore legal. This is what makes this job so difficult. pic.twitter.com/81igLXM9MG

— NBA Referees (@OfficialNBARefs) February 12, 2019