Dana White slams Conor McGregor-Heat mascot punch stunt
Miami Heat’s Burnie the mascot took a serious hit during the NBA Finals on Friday at Kaseya Center after a promotional skit with Conor McGregor went wrong. The UFC star delivered a left hook to Burnie as part of a promo for his pain relief spray, which left the mascot on the court. White, UFC president, expressed his dismay at the situation and the fad of mascots wanting to get punched in the face. Burnie reportedly received pain medication at a nearby hospital and is now recuperating at home.
McGregor’s Hit on Miami Heat’s Burnie Goes Wrong
Miami Heat’s Burnie was left knocked out on the court during the NBA Finals on Friday after a mid-game skit involving Conor McGregor went wrong. The promotional event for McGregor’s pain relief spray saw the former UFC champ delivering a left hook to Burnie, which caused the mascot to lose the flame on his head. McGregor then laid another punch on the mascot as he was sprawled on the floor. Burnie was later taken to a hospital, given medication for pain, and is now recovering at home.
UFC President Dana White Lambasts the Skit
UFC President Dana White criticized the Burnie skit at a press conference following UFC 289 on Saturday. “What’s up with mascots wanting to get punched in the face by professional fighters? What do you expect?” White reportedly told reporters, and continued, “I mean, what are those mascot things made out of?” White suggested it wasn’t the brightest of ideas and that if he were a mascot, he wouldn’t allow a professional fighter like McGregor to punch him in the face.
Heat’s Head Coach Lightens the Situation
Heats’ head coach Erik Spoelstra made light of the incident ahead of his team’s Game 5 against the Denver Nuggets. “It’s the Miami Heat toughness that we are talking about,” Spoelstra joked, adding that maybe Burnie should have allowed to take the first swing. NBA fans have expressed their consternation on Twitter, with one saying, “I don’t really understand why they would want their mascot to be knocked out.” Another tweeted about the announcer’s comments as Burnie was carried off the court unconscious.
FAQs
What happened to Burnie after Conor McGregor punched him?
Burnie was taken to a nearby hospital, given pain medication, and is now reportedly doing well at home.
What was the promotional skit about?
The skit was promoting Conor McGregor’s pain relief spray.
What did Miami Heat’s head coach say about the incident?
Coach Erik Spoelstra made light of the situation ahead of a game, saying it was all about Miami Heat toughness and Burnie should have been allowed to take the first swing.
Conor McGregor-Heat Mascot Punch Stunt Condemned by Dana White
UFC President Dana White has criticised the Miami Heat’s decision to feature their mascot, Burnie, in a skit alongside Conor McGregor during Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday. The scene saw McGregor hit Burnie with a left hook, causing the mascot to fall to the ground. McGregor then punched Burnie again while he was down before spraying him with pain relief spray. White called the concept a “terrible idea”. Burnie was reportedly taken to hospital but has since recovered. Many NBA fans have also expressed confusion over the skit. Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra brushed off the incident, saying it showcased his team’s toughness.