The Miami Heat’s mascot, Burnie, was on the receiving end of two heavy blows in what was supposed to be a friendly mock fight against Conor McGregor. The fight took place during a third-quarter timeout of Game 4 of the NBA Finals to promote McGregor’s pain relief spray.
A video of the incident shows the former UFC champion punch the mascot in the head and then in the face when he fell to the ground. McGregor then proceeded to administer the spray to the mascot before staffers appeared to pull Burnie off the court by his legs.
The Athletic later reported that Burnie was actually hurt and taken to the hospital. He received pain medication and was then allowed to leave.
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Heat 108-95, taking a 3-1 lead in the series. As the series is a best out of seven, the Nuggets can win the championship for the first time in their history in Denver on Monday night (June 12).
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said that Burnie should return for the next game. “It’s the Miami Heat toughness that we are talking about,” Spoelstra told reporters. “Should’ve been allowed to take the first swing. We won’t reveal who that is, but he’s tough. Take a punch and get back up. Yeah, he’s not going to miss any time.”
