The 2025 NBA playoffs have been a movie, and tensions are extremely high. However, they are not high enough to justify what Indiana Pacers fan Jarrett Funke did during a Game 2 watch party in a bar. As the Pacers take on the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals, trash talk by the players and the fans is bound to happen eventually. However, it crosses a line when bodily harm is induced.
Jarrett Funke was identified as the Pacers fan who was arrested after stabbing a New York Knicks fan for allegedly talking trash during a watch party for Game 2 of the series. The incident took place at an establishment called Danny Boy Beer. Game 2 saw the Pacers steal another road win at Madison Square Garden to take a solid two games to none lead over the Knicks. However, during the game, these Pacers fans would seemingly have had enough of the trash talk and got into an argument with the rival fans. The Indy fan was asked to leave, and the police were called.
Indiana Pacers Fan Jarrett Funke Stabs a New York Knicks Fan
When law enforcement officers arrived, there was no sign of Jarrett Funke. He had seemingly left in a hurry after hearing the cops were on the way. However, that is not where his story ends. The bar employee would call the police yet again. Though this time it was serious, a stabbing had occurred.
When law enforcement officers arrived at the back patio of the bar, they found two men “bleeding profusely,” according to the NY Daily News. It was then stated that 24-year-old Funke had been harassing them all game and even smacked the man’s Knicks hat off of his head. This has led many fans on Twitter to jokingly say, “Tyrese Haliburton will invite him to watch the next game.” This is due to Haliburton flying a Pacers fan out who was heckled by a couple of Knicks fans after Game 1.
The Indiana Pacers will be looking to close this series out as they have a commanding three games to one lead over the New York Knicks. However, Jarrett Funke probably won’t enjoy his team possibly playing in the NBA Finals, due to his legal troubles. As for the Knicks fans, one was hospitalized in the wake of the situation, but they will seemingly both make a full recovery. While it is the playoffs, to quote the great LeBron James, at the end of the day, it’s just basketball.
Emma Taylor 
