Violence Erupts During NBA Playoffs: Pacers Fan Charged with Stabbing Knicks Supporters
Indianapolis, IN — Tensions between rival basketball fans turned violent during Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals, as a Pacers fan was charged with stabbing two New York Knicks supporters at a Carmel brewery late Friday night.
Incident Details
The altercation occurred at Danny Boy Beer Works, a popular brewery in Carmel, Indiana, just before 11 p.m. According to court documents and police reports, 24-year-old Jarrett Funke, a Pacers fan from Carmel, began harassing two Knicks fans inside the bar. Witnesses say Funke approached the men, knocked a Knicks hat off one of their heads, and shouted obscenities, challenging them to a fight.
Funke’s father intervened and attempted to remove him from the premises. After a brief lull, the two Knicks fans went to the back patio to smoke, believing the situation had deescalated. However, Funke allegedly returned, stormed through a fence onto the patio, and confronted the Knicks supporters again.
Escalation and Injuries
During the confrontation, Funke reportedly pulled out a pocketknife and stabbed one of the Knicks fans in the back. The victim sustained a stab wound, a fractured rib, and a minor lung tear. The second victim suffered a cut to his lower left leg after falling during the scuffle. Both victims were described as "bleeding profusely" and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Funke attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended by Carmel police in the brewery’s parking lot. He was taken into custody and remains held at the Hamilton County Jail without bond, pending a court hearing.
Charges and Investigation
Jarrett Funke faces multiple felony charges, including:
- Battery with a deadly weapon (Level 5 felony)
- Battery resulting in serious bodily injury (Level 5 felony)
- Criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon (Level 6 felony)
- Disorderly conduct (misdemeanor)
Funke claimed to police that the Knicks fans provoked the incident by "talking sh--," pushing him to the ground, and hitting him in the face. However, several witnesses and the victims identified Funke as the primary aggressor.
Community and Police Response
The Carmel Police Department urged fans to maintain civility and avoid violence as the playoff series continues. The incident has cast a shadow over what has otherwise been an intense but spirited rivalry between the Knicks and Pacers, who are set to play Game 4 in Indianapolis.
NBA Playoff Context
The Pacers currently lead the series, with Game 4 scheduled for Tuesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Both teams and local authorities are emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship and safety for fans attending playoff events.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, reviewing surveillance footage and gathering additional witness statements. The case has intensified calls for increased security and fan conduct awareness during high-stakes sporting events.