Game 2 Watch Party in Carmel Turns Violent
The energy in sports bars usually ramps up during playoff season, but no one expected the scene that unfolded at Danny Boy Beer Works in Carmel, Indiana. On May 27, 2025, Knicks fans gathered to watch their team try to claw back against the Indiana Pacers in the intense Eastern Conference Finals. That night, emotions spilled over—fueled by team pride, beer, and one Pacers fan who took things way too far.
Witnesses at the bar say Jarrett Funke, a 24-year-old Carmel resident and die-hard Pacers supporter, became agitated during Game 2. Funke allegedly singled out a group of New York Knicks fans in the crowd. According to staff and customers, he strode over, slapped a Knicks hat off one fan's head, and threw out threats that immediately caught people off guard. Bar workers tried to defuse the situation—escorting Funke outdoors, hoping the cooler air would also cool tempers. But instead of moving on, Funke doubled back—this time brandishing a knife.
Chaos erupted as Funke allegedly stabbed one man in the back and another in the leg, both wearing Knicks gear. Quick action by bystanders and staff may have prevented more serious injuries. Police arrived soon after and took Funke into custody without further incident.
Rivalry Heats Up On and Off the Court
The charges against Funke are serious, including battery by means of a deadly weapon, battery causing serious bodily injury, criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon, and disorderly conduct. According to the police report, Funke claimed he was acting in retaliation after being punched by one of the victims. People at the bar—both Pacers and Knicks fans—told a different story, describing Funke's actions as entirely unprovoked. Video and witness statements reportedly backed up these accounts, painting a picture of a heated but one-sided confrontation.
Both victims were treated for their injuries and survived, but the memory of that night lingers for regulars at Danny Boy Beer Works. For many sports fans, bar banter and spirited arguments are part of the game. Knocks about "The Reggie Miller era" or the latest Knicks heartbreak are expected. But bringing violence—especially with a deadly weapon—crosses a line that should never be blurred by team loyalty.
Legal experts say Funke faces up to several years in prison if found guilty on all counts. The Carmel police department reiterated that sports rivalries can't justify violent behavior, no matter the stakes on the Indiana Pacers or any other team.
Coincidentally, the Pacers went up 2-0 in the series on the night of the attack, but the Knicks responded with a gritty Game 3 win, tightening the series and keeping playoff passions boiling in both cities. What happened in Carmel wasn’t part of the game, but it’s become a talking point for both teams’ fanbases as the rivalry moves from the court to conversations about civility and safety in public spaces.
