An arrest for stabbing two New York Knicks fans at a brewery in Carmel, Indiana, during the NBA Eastern Conference Finals was a dramatic development. The fight, which occurred on May 23, 2025, during the second game of the series, sparked public outrage, concern from sports buffs, and society in general.
What Went Down?
On the evening of May 23, 24-year-old Pacers fan Jarrett Funke got into a fight with two Knicks fans at Danny Boy Beer Works, one of Carmel’s well-known breweries, according to Carmel Police and other witnesses. Things got heated when Funke seized one of the Knicks fans’ hats and started yelling profanities about the rivalry between the two teams.
The staff at the brewery moved quickly and took Funke out of the premises. But soon after, Funke, in his own words, came back with a knife and attacked the two men. One of them was stabbed in the back, which damaged a lung and fractured a rib. The other victim was stabbed in the leg. Both were rushed to a nearby hospital and are likely to be alright.
Legal Charges and Statement from the Police
Battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated battery are among the charges against Jarrett Funke. He currently remains held without bond, as stated in the last court filing. Police reported that Funke has alleged self-defense; however, several witnesses to the incident informed the police that he was the unmistakable aggressor, and the victims never provoked the attack.
In a statement, Carmel Police confirmed the incident and commended the guests and staff of the brewery for quickly alerting the authorities and helping the victims.
Reactions from the Community and NBA Fans
The stabbing has created an outpouring of anger throughout the NBA fan base in the country. Something that should have been a celebration of playoff action ended up being a spectacle of violence brought on by team rivalry. Fans have flooded social media in a show of concern for the escalating number of fan fights at sporting events.
The organization of the Indiana Pacers has not made an official statement, but league officials have been said to be following the situation very closely. The New York Knicks have sent their best regards to the victims and have urged fans to be united and respectful.
Brewery Responds
Danny Boy Beer Works also stated after the incident, expressing profound regret at what had occurred and committing to ensuring that everyone had a safe place to be while on their premises. “We do not support violence in any form,” the brewery stated, going on to say that they were fully assisting the police.
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