Miami Heat release statement on Conor McGregor sexual assault allegations
MIAMI - The Miami Heat has released a statement following reports of sexual assault allegations involving former Ultimate Fighting Championship Featherweight and Lightweight Champion Conor McGregor at the Kaseya Center.
The statement reads: "We are aware of the allegations and are conducting a full investigation. Pending the outcome of the investigation, we will withhold further comment."
TMZ first reported the alleged sexual assault of a woman during Game 4 of the NBA finals in Miami.
The woman accuses McGregor of sexually assaulting her in the men's bathroom after the game.
McGregor's attorney said the fighter denied any wrongdoing.
"Mr. McGregor will not be intimidated," said the attorney, Barbara Llanes.
During that game, McGregor knocked out Heat mascot, Burnie, in a midgame bit that went wrong.
Burnie - more specifically, the man who occupies Burnie's costume - briefly sought medical attention after taking two punches from McGregor during a third-quarter stoppage of Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Heat and the Denver Nuggets.
The employee, who was not identified, received pain medication and was recovering, the team said.
McGregor was there as a promotional gimmick for a pain-relief spray - and was booed by many in the Miami crowd even before the bit started. The flame mascot was wearing oversized boxing gloves and a robe akin to what a fighter would wear entering the ring for a bout. McGregor hit Burnie with a left hook, knocking him down, then punched the mascot again after he hit the floor.
McGregor then tried to "spray" the mascot with the pain-relief product, while several members of the Heat's in-game promotional team dragged Burnie off the court.
McGregor hasn't fought since injuring his left leg in a loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. His last win came in January 2020.