An Indiana Pacers fan has been charged after allegedly stabbing a New York Knicks fan and injuring another during an Eastern Conference Finals Game 2 watch party at a Carmel, Indiana, brewery last Friday. According to court documents obtained by the Indy Star, Jarrett Funke, 24, was charged Tuesday by the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office with battery by means of a deadly weapon, battery resulting in serious bodily injury, criminal recklessness, and battery.
The reports state that the incident began when Funke allegedly harassed two Knicks fans at Danny Boy Beer Works. Witnesses indicated that Funke approached the men, slapped a hat off one fan’s head, and challenged them to a confrontation. Bar staff contacted the police to report the situation and instructed Funke and his family to leave the premises.
Funke’s father attempted to escort him out, but he continued to provoke the Knicks fans, reportedly shouting, “F— you, you still have a f—ing problem. Take this outside.”
Although responding officers initially left after being told Funke had exited, tensions escalated shortly thereafter. When the two Knicks fans stepped outside the bar to smoke, Funke allegedly returned and continued his harassment. One of the fans momentarily pulled out a pocket knife before sheathing it again.
Funke then lunged at the man, drew his own knife, and stabbed him in the back, as stated in court documents. The second fan attempted to intervene, sustaining a leg injury as he cut himself on the patio stoop.
Funke tried to escape but was apprehended in the parking lot by Carmel police. Medical responders took both Knicks fans to a local hospital due to their injuries. Funke received treatment and reportedly told officers, “They were talking s—,” claiming the fans ignited the altercation.
However, after conducting interviews with witnesses and reviewing detailed accounts from the scene, investigators concluded that Funke was the aggressor. Several patrons indicated to the officers that the stabbing victim was bleeding profusely and they feared for his life.
The Pacers secured victories in the first two games of the playoff series in New York before suffering a defeat in Game 3 on Sunday evening in Indianapolis. Tipoff for Game 4 is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday night.
