As one of the most iconic mascots in the NBA, Burnie has gotten up to all kinds of hijinks with the Miami Heat since the franchise’s inaugural season in 1988. From dance-offs to halftime shows, there’s nothing the sentient fireball won’t do to get some laughs from the fans in South Florida.
On Monday night, however, Burnie upped his ante with a special guest in attendance. Fitness influencer Ashton Hall, who has recently gone viral for his sensationalized morning routine videos, was sitting courtside for Miami’s matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers – and the lovable mascot made sure to leave an impression, to say the least.
During a break in Monday’s action, Burnie approached the influencer with a tub full of ice water and a roll of tape over his “mouth” – two notable elements from Hall’s video that went viral last month.
With a crew of staffers around him holding up whiteboards saying the time of each activity in Burnie’s “routine,” the mascot went on to skim an entire book next to Hall before donning a white jacket and a briefcase. He then gave the influencer a handshake before leaving the hardwood, much to the amusement (and partial confusion) of the onlooking crowd.
Hall’s viral video has garnered plenty of cynical and mocking reactions, namely for its over-dramatic and unrealistic nature. Nevertheless, it appeared to be nothing but love between him and the Miami mascot on Monday night. The Heat went on to defeat the 76ers 117-105, and all without needing any bowls of ice water for themselves.
