UFC superstar Conor McGregor is once again in the headlines for another controversy. This time, the Irishman accidentally hurt an NBA mascot during a skit at a Miami Heat game. While many are bashing the former UFC two-weight champion for the incident, there are those defending him as well.

Conor McGregor made a surprise appearance at Game 4 of the NBA finals. ‘The Notorious’ also entertained the fans with a skit during the half-time break. The bit was also a promo for his ‘TIDL Sport’ recovery spray and involved the Heat mascot Burnie. Intriguing at the onset, things took a turn for the worse when the condition of the mascot after the skit came to light later.

During the bit, Burnie laced up boxing gloves for a little dance against McGregor. However, he was no match for the UFC star as the 34-year-old sent him crashing into the floor with one punch. McGregor then followed it up with one more punch to the face of the downed Burnie before he was dragged off the floor.

Later, news broke that the man in the Burnie costume had to be taken to the hospital and given pain medication after one of McGregor’s punches did considerable damage.

Conor McGregor defended for punching Miami Heat mascot

During a recent session of ‘The Big Weekend Show’ on Fox News, one unlikely supporter came to the defense of Conor McGregor. The panelists had taken up the viral incident for discussion and weighed the pros and cons of having a professional fighter punch an average Joe as part of a skit.

Many of them agreed it was dangerous and stupid to stage the skit in the first place. Surprisingly, panelist Joe Concha came to the Irishman’s aid saying, “As far as Conor McGregor is concerned, I think it was supposed to be a skit. He probably hit the guy and the guy hit his head on the way down.”

Concha added, “I don’t think he actually tried to hurt him. He’s a professional, Conor McGregor.”

At this time. McGregor could use all the support he can get, considering the fans are not at all pleased with him after the incident.

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Meanwhile, Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra had another response to the issue.

Miami Heat head coach issues statement on Burnie-McGregor incident

During the segment, the panelists played a clip of Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra’s reaction to the incident. Rather than take aim at McGregor, Spoelstra poked fun at the incident and gave a nod to Burnie’s toughness.

He said, “That’s the Miami Heat toughness that we’re talking about. He should have been allowed to take the first swing. Yeah. We won’t reveal who that is but he’s tough. He can take a punch and get back up.”

The incident is still circulating on social media in full swing. It might be a while before McGregor can get the Heat off his back for injuring a beloved mascot.

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What are your thoughts on the issue? Is McGregor to blame for the incident? What do you make of Concha’s statement? Let us know in the comments.