MMA star Conor McGregor sent the person who plays the Miami Heat’s mascot “Burnie” to the emergency room Friday after decking him during a partnership announcement between McGregor and the Heat, a person familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports.
The person requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the incident.
The mascot’s performer saw a doctor, received pain medication and was sent home.
At halfcourt during a timeout with 7:35 left in third quarter of Game 4 between the Heat and Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals, the Heat revealed their partnership with McGregor and his pain relief spray called TIDL Sport.
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It was not well received as some fans booed McGregor. In a part of the announcement that was staged, Burnie had on giant boxing gloves. McGregor clocked the mascot with two left-hand punches. It was supposed to play out that way in a good-natured way — not with the force of McGregor’s punches. The first punch hit Burnie on the side of the head and McGregor hit him again after he fell to the court.
“Oh mercy Burnie you’re going to need some TIDL yourself baby,” the announcer said.
Then, McGregor sprayed Burnie with the pain relief product.
McGregor sat courtside for Denver’s 108-95 victory in Game 4, putting the Nuggets up 3-1 in the series.
