In a Nutshell:

• Ex-UFC champion Conor McGregor participated in an unexpected boxing stunt with Miami Heat’s mascot, Burnie, during a promotional event in the middle of an NBA Finals game.
• McGregor knocked down Burnie with a left hook, leading to the mascot requiring medical attention and pain medication. The identity of the man inside the mascot suit has not been revealed.
• McGregor was at the game to promote a pain-relief spray, and his antic of punching the mascot and then attempting to ‘heal’ him with the spray drew boos from the crowd.

The arena buzzed with excitement during the third-quarter stoppage of Game 4 of the NBA Finals, but not for the usual reasons.

It wasn’t a slam dunk, a three-pointer, or even a dramatic foul that had the crowd gasping – it was the sight of ex-UFC champion Conor McGregor, landing a left hook on Burnie, the Miami Heat’s lovable mascot.

The flame-faced mascot found himself in an unexpected ring match during a promotional skit that took a wrong turn.

Burnie, donned in oversized boxing gloves and a robe reminiscent of a fighter’s pre-match ensemble, received a one-two combo from McGregor that would make an experienced UFC fighter grimace.

After McGregor landed a left hook that knocked Burnie to the floor, he delivered another punch for good measure.

It’s the kind of dramatic scene you’d expect in a UFC octagon, but not the hardwood court of an NBA game.

The crowd response was a medley of boos and gasps even before the bizarre bit started.

McGregor, who was at the game to promote a pain-relief spray, had already piqued the crowd’s ire before his ill-advised spar with the mascot.

Once the mascot was down, McGregor attempted to ‘heal’ the damage done by spraying the pain-relief product on Burnie.

Meanwhile, members of the Heat’s in-game promotional team had the unexpected task of dragging the battered Burnie off the court.

The man inside Burnie’s costume, whose identity was not revealed, had to seek medical attention following the unexpected showdown.

The Heat confirmed on Saturday that he was recuperating at home, aided by pain medication.

As for McGregor, this stunt marks another bizarre event in a rather quiet period of his career.

He hasn’t stepped into the octagon since injuring his left leg during a match against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.

His last victory dates back to January 2020.

Whether this outlandish display was a call for attention or just an ill-conceived gimmick, one thing’s for sure: Burnie might think twice before squaring up with another fighter.

Source

In a Nutshell:

• Florida-based meteorologist Chelsea Ambriz was startled during a live TV broadcast when a pigeon unexpectedly swooped into view of a live beach camera, causing her to let out a shout of surprise on air.
• The amusing moment, which saw Ambriz maintain her composure and continue with the newscast, was shared on Twitter and has received over 109,000 views, prompting humorous interactions and comments from viewers.
• Despite being initially thought of as a mere on-air blooper, the pigeon surprise evolved into a relatable and entertaining viral moment, as it showcased the unpredictable nature of live broadcasts.

We’ve all heard of the weather going to the birds, but one Florida meteorologist took it quite literally.

NBC6’s Chelsea Ambriz found herself in an unexpected flap with a pigeon during a live TV broadcast, prompting a flurry of chuckles on social media.

While setting the scene with images of a serene beach from a live feed, Ambriz was suddenly ambushed.

Not by thunderstorms or gusty winds, but by an attention-seeking pigeon who appeared to have Hollywood aspirations.

The bird zoomed into the live beach camera, startling the meteorologist and leading to a hilarious shout of surprise.

“The bird startled me,” she admitted, quickly finding her composure to carry on with the newscast.

As it turned out, Ambriz was safely in the studio, far from the feathered friend causing her consternation.

It was a case of perspective.

“From my vantage point, I thought it was going to land on my head,” Ambriz explained to NBC6.

Her initial reaction was to duck and cover, an instinct we can all relate to.

However, professionalism won out as she kept her cool and continued the broadcast.

In her Twitter post sharing the funny clip, which has now amassed over 109,000 views, Ambriz noted her brain’s rapid-fire response:

“Brain: bird is going to land on you! Reality: I’m in the studio and this is a live camera…”

Twitter users got their feathers ruffled, humorously responding to the unexpected bird-venture.

“Is that your first ‘close encounter’?” asked one Twitter user, to which Ambriz admitted having had run-ins with pigeons at the beach.

Another keen observer noted, “Looked dead into the camera too, knew EXACTLY what he was doin’ smh.”

Indeed, it seemed the pigeon was fully aware of its moment of fame, and perhaps it was planning this cameo all along.

A clear case of a bird with an eye for opportunity, we’d say.

Despite the unexpected surprise, Ambriz held her own.

“You maintained your composure!” commended one Twitter user, while another playfully warned, “Ca caw!! Look out girl…the birds never rest.”

Reflecting on the unexpected social media flutter, Ambriz said, “People are chuckling along with me.”

“I definitely did not think it was going to explode like it has. The retweets and the interaction on Twitter have been fun to see.”

In the end, what was initially thought to be a momentary blooper turned into a viral moment that “everyone can relate to and chuckle with.”

Because, after all, isn’t live TV a bird of a feather that always keeps us guessing and occasionally lets us have a laugh?

Source

In a Nutshell:

• Iconic actor Robert De Niro has announced the arrival of his seventh child in a low-key fashion during an interview with Entertainment Tonight Canada.
• Despite not considering himself a “cool dad,” De Niro embraces his role as a father, accepting that sometimes tough love is necessary in parenting. His children range in age from his newly born to his eldest who is 51.
• De Niro will be showcasing his paternal side in a different context with his upcoming film “About My Father,” where he plays the quirky and embarrassing dad to comedian Sebastian Maniscalco’s character. The film is set to release on May 26.

In an understated reveal worthy of a seasoned Oscar winner, Robert De Niro announced that he’s a father yet again, bringing his brood to a total of seven children.

The 79-year-old star dropped this baby bombshell while chatting with Entertainment Tonight Canada, and while he didn’t spill many details, he did confirm that parenting, even at his age, still has its fair share of “grief.”

But, just like in his iconic film roles, De Niro isn’t one to back down from a challenge.

He might not consider himself the “cool dad,” but he’s well-versed in the art of tough love.

De Niro admitted to laying down the law when necessary, though he’d much rather avoid playing the tough guy at home.

Speaking of acting roles, De Niro is about to grace the silver screen once again as Salvo, the quirky and embarrassing father to comedian Sebastian Maniscalco’s character in the film “About My Father,” hitting theaters May 26.

The movie offers De Niro another chance to showcase his paternal instincts, albeit with a comic twist.

From his real-life experiences with his newly extended family to the fictional ones on set, it seems De Niro is fully embracing the dad life.

With a new baby and an upcoming film, it seems the “Godfather” actor has his hands full with a different kind of family business.

So, here’s a toast to the new dad on the block — we can’t wait to see what other surprises he has in store for us!

Source: TODAY.com