Nets fan with prosthetic leg is carried out of Madison Square Garden by security
A Nets fan with a prosthetic leg was carried out of Madison Square Garden during Tuesday night's Nets-Knicks game. The man reportedly elicited complaints from other fans about being loud, and was later carried out of the arena by security.
crazy ejection of nets fan with prosthetic leg at #msg @nyknicks
A video posted by jeigs (@jeigs) on Dec 12, 2014 at 6:23pm PST
Fans recognized the man and have identified him as Jeffrey Vanchiro-one of the Nets most well-known supporters who is known for wearing neon outfits. The professional poker player goes by the nickname of "Jeffrey Gamblero."
According to people on Twitter, the guy carried horizontally out of MSG in the third quarter was Nets superfan Jeffrey Gamblero.
- Andrew Keh (@andrewkeh) December 3, 2014
A Knicks spokesman recently released a statement about the incident.
Here's full statement from a #Knicks spokesman on the Nets fan who was ejected in this video: http://t.co/LwXjuz0EkJpic.twitter.com/BklZS6RWx3
- Ian Begley (@IanBegley) December 3, 2014
And here's the kicker: An MSG employee said the man used his prosthetic leg as a weapon and hit someone.
MSG Employee just told me this dude hit someone with his prosthetic leg before he was ejected. NYPD was called http://t.co/ydNxALTe3T
- Kenny Ducey (@KennyDucey) December 3, 2014
MSG staffer says that the Nets super fan that was kicked out without his prosthetic leg was ejected because he had hit somebody with it.
- Nick Metallinos (@NickMetallinos) December 3, 2014
But another eyewitness said he never swung the leg.
@KennyDucey the whole section was chanting "let him stay" & security patiently talked to him for a few minutes before carrying him out.
- +1 (@plusonemusic) December 3, 2014
@KennyDucey the whole section was chanting "let him stay" & security patiently talked to him for a few minutes before carrying him out.
- +1 (@plusonemusic) December 3, 2014
[UPDATE] Jesse Eigner, the eyewitness who published the Instagram video shown above, recently released his side of the story on Twitter. He said the man brandished his prosthetic leg, but did not mention him swinging it or hitting anyone.
@KennyDucey@Jeigs accurate & fair. It did seem like he wouldn't listen to them & leave. Whether ejection was deserved though is debatable
- +1 (@plusonemusic) December 3, 2014
Whether or not the man actually swung the prosthetic leg, this will be an interesting story to follow in the near future. Hopefully we'll get to hear his account of what happened.
Related links:
Monta Ellis is the answer
Five draft picks why the Dolphins won't make the playoffs
UAB eliminating football program might only be the beginning
NBA Week 5 in review: Farewell, November
For more sports coverage, please visit Bloguin.com