NYPD Questioning Conor McGregor After Chaos At Barclays Center
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – UFC star Conor McGregor was being questioned by the NYPD late Thursday night after video surfaced of him and his entourage going berserk at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
A video posted on Instagram shows a man holding a metal barricade charging toward a bus full of people. A second video shows the bus start driving away, but the crowd follows and one person flings a metal cart into the window.
"It's disgusting, and I don't think anybody is going to be huge Conor McGregor fans after this," UFC President Dana White said on ESPN.
The UFC president said the notorious MMA fighter stormed Barclays Center's loading with his entourage following a press event, as fellow fighters were boarding buses.
Police sources confirm at least one person was injured by the broken glass.
Fighter Michael Chiesa tweeted, "A decision was made by the New York State Athletic Commission to pull me from UFC 223. I'm devastated to say the least."
A decision was made by the New York State Athletic Commission to pull me from UFC 223. I'm devastated to say the least. @Showtimepettis I hope to run this match up ASAP, June 9th in your backyard. That's all I have to say for now. Much love.
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) April 6, 2018
Video from a different bus shows the men tossing trash cans and tussling with each other, following the initial bus as it backs out.
A UFC executive later tweeted, "It was the scariest thing I've ever been through. Trapped in the bus while they are throwing hand trucks, chairs and even a bike rack through the windows."
Thank you for the concern. It was the scariest thing I've ever been through. Trapped in the bus while they are throwing hand trucks, chairs and even a bike rack through the windows
— Reed Harris (@reedharrisufc) April 5, 2018
Police said after the incident, McGregor fled with others in the group.
McGregor was never scheduled to compete in the upcoming fight.
"You don't come into Barclays Center and attack people that are in a bus who are fighting the next day," White said.
Some fans said they're disappointed, others were in disbelief.
"I don't care what he does outside the ring. Smash whatever you want to smash, just don't smash the fighters, please," Andy Wakeford said.
"I just think it's all bells and whistles for the show," said Eric Stigler.
"Stepped over the line, that's it," Matthew Bailey said. "He's just going to start losing fans if he does this silly nonsense."
Police said McGregor turned himself in late Thursday night but has not been charged.