diff --git a/core/net/src/main/java/org/onlab/onos/net/device/impl/DeviceManager.java b/core/net/src/main/java/org/onlab/onos/net/device/impl/DeviceManager.java
index 017d03a..7b7eb82 100644
--- a/core/net/src/main/java/org/onlab/onos/net/device/impl/DeviceManager.java
+++ b/core/net/src/main/java/org/onlab/onos/net/device/impl/DeviceManager.java
@@ -144,7 +144,7 @@
 
     // Applies the specified role to the device; ignores NONE
     private void applyRole(DeviceId deviceId, MastershipRole newRole) {
-        if (newRole.equals(MastershipRole.NONE)) {
+        if (!newRole.equals(MastershipRole.NONE)) {
             Device device = store.getDevice(deviceId);
             // FIXME: Device might not be there yet. (eventual consistent)
             if (device == null) {