(CNN) — A punch from UFC star Conor McGregor sent the Miami Heat’s mascot, Burnie, to the unexpected emergency home of a community clinic in the course of the NBA Finals on Friday, according to The Athletic.
McGregor punched the performer putting on the mascot costume twice in a pre-planned skit in the 3rd quarter for the duration of Video game 4 of the NBA Finals at the Kaseya Middle in Miami. The skit was meant to encourage a agony relief spray, which McGregor sprayed on Burnie after the blows.
The guy actively playing Burnie was despatched property from the healthcare facility following obtaining soreness treatment and is undertaking well, in accordance to The Athletic report, which cited a league supply. CNN has not confirmed the facts of The Athletic report.
Burnie, who sported massive gold boxing gloves and a boxing gown, was punched after by McGregor and fell to the floor. As soon as on the ground, McGregor landed a further punch right before the mascot was dragged off the court.
McGregor’s communications staff experienced no comment when reached by CNN.
CNN has reached out to the Miami Warmth and NBA for comment but did not right away hear back.
Warmth head coach Erik Spoelstra joked about the incident while speaking to reporters ahead of Monday’s Match 5 in Denver.
“It’s the Miami Heat toughness that we are talking about,” Spoelstra said. “Should’ve been authorized to choose the very first swing. We will not reveal who that is but he’s tricky. Just take a punch and get again up. Yeah, he’s not going to skip any time.”
McGregor has not competed in a UFC party since breaking his remaining leg in a battle with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
The Heat missing Friday’s match 108-95 to the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets are foremost the finest-of-seven collection 3-1.
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