diff --git a/lib/src/android/support/design/widget/ThemeUtils.java b/lib/src/android/support/design/widget/ThemeUtils.java
index 1716dfabf..87da3ab85 100644
--- a/lib/src/android/support/design/widget/ThemeUtils.java
+++ b/lib/src/android/support/design/widget/ThemeUtils.java
@@ -28,9 +28,8 @@ class ThemeUtils {
   static void checkAppCompatTheme(Context context) {
     TypedArray a = context.obtainStyledAttributes(APPCOMPAT_CHECK_ATTRS);
     final boolean failed = !a.hasValue(0);
-    if (a != null) {
-      a.recycle();
-    }
+    a.recycle();
+
     if (failed) {
       throw new IllegalArgumentException(
           "You need to use a Theme.AppCompat theme " + "(or descendant) with the design library.");