Tracy Morgan was taken out of a New York Knicks game in a wheelchair after appearing to fall ill during the game. The incident drew immediate attention from fans and media at the famous Madison Square Garden arena.
The 56-year-old comic was sitting courtside at Madison Square Garden on Monday, March 17, when, according to photos and footage circulating online, he began vomiting onto the floor. Courtside seats at Madison Square Garden are considered premium viewing positions, offering celebrities and fans an immersive basketball experience.
He was then taken out of the arena in a wheelchair holding what appeared to be a red-stained white towel to his face, with one poster on X sharing that he had a nose bleed. Medical staff responded quickly to assist the comedian during the concerning incident.
“Tracy Morgan getting wheeled out from courtside at MSG … bleeding from nose … could barely stand up … hope he’s ok,” the spectator posted alongside a photo. The post quickly spread across social media platforms as fans expressed concern for the beloved comedian.
The game — which saw the Knicks beat Miami Heat 116-95 — was delayed for around 10 minutes in the third quarter due to the former “30 Rock” actor’s medical incident. Arena staff worked to clean the affected area before play could resume.
A spokesperson for the star has yet to comment on what happened or offer an update on his condition. Fans and fellow celebrities have been expressing their concern and sending well wishes on social media.
“We hope Tracy feels better soon and look forward to seeing him back courtside,” a Madison Square Garden representative told People magazine. The Knicks organization has long enjoyed support from celebrity fans, with Morgan being a regular attendee over the years.
This isn’t the first time Morgan, who has diabetes and underwent a kidney transplant in 2010, has experienced public medical issues. Diabetes can cause various health complications, especially when combined with the stress of public appearances.
In 2012, he collapsed outside a building at the Sundance Film Festival, with his representative saying it was due to a combination of exhaustion and altitude. Park City, Utah, where the festival is held, sits at a high elevation that can affect visitors not accustomed to the thin air.
“Superman ran into a little kryptonite. The high altitude in Utah shook up this kid from Brooklyn,” Morgan, who returned to work a few days later, posted on social media afterwards. Morgan has often referenced his Brooklyn roots throughout his comedy career.
And in 2014, he broke his leg and was in a coma for two weeks, later relearning how to walk and talk, after the limo he was riding in was hit from behind by a Walmart truck on the New Jersey Turnpike. Tragically, his friend and fellow passenger, James McNair, was killed in the accident. The crash became a high-profile case that brought attention to the dangers of drowsy driving.
Truck driver Kevin Roper, who hadn’t slept for 28 hours when he crashed, later accepted a plea deal to complete 300 hours of community service in order to avoid trial. The legal proceedings highlighted issues surrounding commercial driving regulations and driver fatigue.
The former “Saturday Night Live” star previously expressed his forgiveness towards the driver. Morgan‘s career has spanned decades, from his early days on SNL to his acclaimed role on “30 Rock” and various film appearances.
“I want to say to everyone who was in the van with me that night I love you, and we miss you, Uncle Jimmy Mac and God bless your family,” he told People magazine on the 10th anniversary of the crash last year. “And to the driver that night and his family, me and my comrades forgive you.” McNair, known professionally as Jimmy Mack, was a longtime friend and mentor to Morgan before his tragic death in the accident.
The NBA community has shown support for Morgan following this latest health scare, with many hoping for a quick recovery for the comedian who has been a visible and enthusiastic supporter of the New York Knicks throughout many seasons.
