MIAMI (AP) — The NBA and Miami Heat are investigating an allegation that former UFC champion Conor McGregor sexually assaulted a woman in an arena restroom after Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
The woman’s attorney, Ariel Mitchell, said her client turned over the clothes she wore that night to the Miami police and a complaint was filed. Miami police did not respond Thursday night when asked if they were investigating.
McGregor’s attorney said the fighter denied any wrongdoing. “Mr. McGregor is not intimidated,” said attorney Barbara Llanes.
In letters to the NBA, the Heat and McGregor representatives, Mitchell detailed her client’s allegations and said the client would discuss “reasonable settlement offers” before June 12 or otherwise pursue litigation.
“We are aware of the allegations and are conducting a full investigation,” the Heat said in a statement. “Pending the outcome of the investigation, we will withhold further comment.”
The NBA issued a similar statement, saying it is working with the Heat to gather information.
The alleged incident happened on the same night that McGregor knocked the Heat mascot unconscious in a portion of the game gone awry.
Burnie — more specifically, the man wearing Burnie’s costume — briefly sought medical attention Friday night 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 could not be identified, was given pain medication and recovered, the team said.
McGregor was there as a publicity stunt for a painkiller – and was booed by crowds in Miami before it even got started. The flame mascot wore oversized boxing gloves and a robe resembling that of a fighter going into the ring for a fight. McGregor hit Burnie with a left hook, throwing him to the ground and then slammed the mascot again after it hit the ground.
McGregor then attempted to “spray” the mascot with the pain-relieving product while several members of the in-game publicity team dragged the Heat Burnie off the field.
McGregor has not fought since injuring his left leg in a loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. He achieved his last victory in January 2020.
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