Things took a turn for the worse in Miami on Friday! The Miami Heat fought a tough battle against the Denver Nuggets but came up short in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Several celebrities from all over the world showed up to witness the action unfold during the Heat’s two-game home stand. However, MMA superstar Conor McGregor‘s appearance stole the show on Friday after a mid-game performance at the Kaseya Center. The 34-year-old put on a show along with the Heat mascot, Burnie, as part of a promotion strategy. That did not end well for either of them, though.
McGregor’s antics with the Heat mascot put a smile on the fans’ faces initially. However, after an update revealed the former featherweight champion went a ‘bit too far’, fans decided not to go easy on the Irishman.
Conor McGregor’s antics caused misery to the Heat mascot
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McGregor did not join the Miami crowd to just watch the NBA Finals. The 34-year-old was at the Kaseya Center to promote one of his latest sports products, the ‘TIDL’, which is a pain relief spray. As a part of the marketing strategy, the Heat mascot and McGregor teamed up for a funny skit. However, McGregor seemingly took it a bit seriously and things went out of control.
McGregor, as a part of the skit, threw a punch at Burnie (The Mascot) which put him on the floor right away. Further, the former UFC Lightweight Champion threw another punch in Burnie’s face when he was down. This is where McGregor promoted his product. As Burnie was dragged away, the MMA veteran pulled out his pain relief spray to use it on the Mascot’s face. The video of the skit got a lot of love until Burnie was taken to the hospital.
Watch this story: “Conor McGregor gives a fired up speech during TUF 31”
In a report by The Athletic writer Sam Amick, the man under the costume was taken to the emergency room after McGregor seemingly punched him for real. Burnie was given ‘pain medication’ by a doctor in a nearby hospital. Sources also revealed he is completely fine right now, however, fans did not let this slip past easily. Moreover, there are reports that McGregor might not be allowed to attend more Miami Heat games for the foreseeable future.
The NBA World didn’t go easy on Conor McGregor
McGregor continues to face the heat from social media users. His ‘fun time’ on the court has now stirred another controversy. One fan tweeted, “Conor is a loser.” Here are some more reactions to Burnie’s injury:?
Conor is a loser
— Snake (@SnakeTheJakey) June 10, 2023
Another fan revealed he saw this coming, as the punch looked quite serious. He wrote, “When I saw it I thought wow how do they do that without it hurting the mascot. Welp I have my answer.”
When I saw it I thought wow how do they do that without it hurting the mascot. Welp I have my answer.
— Dolphins Rich (@DolphinsRich) June 10, 2023
I thought that first hit looked bad but wow
— Cos (@allballboston) June 10, 2023
Not shocking, he cold cocked him. Hope he’s ok.
— Michael Leon (@mikeleeeeon) June 10, 2023
A fan tweeted that the second punch from McGregor, when Burnie was on the floor, is what led to the mascot getting taken to the ER. He wrote, “The follow up wasn’t part of the plan.”
The follow up wasn't part of the plan
— FG10 (@FHG10VTID) June 10, 2023
However, there was one fan who felt all this might be part of their plan to promote the spray. He wrote, “I’m sorry… what?!? McGregor hits the top of the costume’s head/hair, then the giant padded nose. Is this a WWE-style work?”
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I'm sorry… what?!? McGregor hits the top of the costume's head/hair, then the giant padded nose. Is this a WWE-style work? Are the Heat about to retire Burnie and introduce a different mascot or just drop the mascot gimmick altogether?
— Nate Costa (@THERealShoePimp) June 10, 2023
We’ll probably never get to know whether this was really the case or part of an elaborate plan. Nonetheless, the Heat fans have enough to worry about already. Jimmy Butler and Co. are on the verge of falling prey to the Nuggets. In addition to this terrifying news, the mascot incident might have done a number on Heat Nation.?
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What are your thoughts on this incident? Share in the comments below.?