Conor McGregor Says Miami Heat Mascot Is Doing "Good"

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2023 NBA Finals - Game Four
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JUNE 09: Conor McGregor is seen on the court during a timeout in Game Four of the 2023 NBA Finals between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on June 09, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The MMA veteran is attempting to mitigate criticism that his viral stunt fail was a step too far.

Game 4 of the 2023 NBA Finals will be remembered for two things. First, there was the result. The Denver Nuggets took a 3-1 series lead on the back of a 13-point victory. Secondly, few will forget how Conor McGregor knocked out the mascot of the Miami Heat while promoting a pain relief spray.

Partway through the third quarter, the UFC veteran came onto the court alongside Burnie, the Heat's anthropomorphized fireball mascot. Burnie donned novelty boxing gloves before almost immediately being rocked by a 1-2 punch combo from McGregor. As the mascot writhed on the floor, McGregor sprayed him with the pain relief aerosol the stunt had been set up to promote. However, it was later reported that the man inside the mascot costume had been sent to the ER and received pain medication following the incident. McGregor was widely criticized for taking things too far. Furthermore, UFC fighter Belal Muhammad went as far as to claim that "drugs made him think he was in a real fight."

Conor McGregor Provides Burnie Update

However, things are not as dire as they first appeared, at least according to McGregor. Speaking with the media in New York City, McGregor attempted to settle any doubts, and criticism, about the viral incident in Miami. "The mascot is good. It was a skit, and all is well," the MMA veteran said. "I spent a lot of time with him afterward, we talked it out, everything is great. It was all part of the show!" Despite McGregor's assurances, it was likely not the promotion that Tidl Sport Recovery Spray was looking for.

McGregor might want to focus his efforts on the ring to avoid future embarrassment. The 34-year-old fighter is currently serving as a coach on Season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter. However, McGregor's stable of prospects has so far been no match for Michael Chandler's stable of more-experienced fighters. The season is expected to end with an as-yet-unannounced bout between McGregor (22-6) and Chandler (23-8). It would be McGregor's first return to the Octagon since injury sidelined him in 2021. Neither man has a particularly shining record heading into this expected matchup. McGregor is on a two-fight losing streak while Chandler last lost three of his last four. Follow all the latest sports news here at HotNewHipHop

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About The Author
Ben Mock
Benjamin Mock (they/them) is a sports and culture writer working out of Philadelphia. Previously writing for the likes of Fixture, Dexerto, Fragster, and Jaxon, Ben has dedicated themselves to engaging and accessible articles about sports, esports, and internet culture. With a love for the weirder stories, you never quite know what to expect from their work.
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