On March 17, 2025, comedian Tracy Morgan experienced a medical incident while attending the New York Knicks’ game against the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden. Seated courtside, Morgan suddenly became ill and vomited, leading to a nearly ten-minute delay in the third quarter as arena staff attended to him. Following the incident, he was escorted out of the venue in a wheelchair, holding a towel to his face.
Reactions from Attendees and Witnesses
Fellow spectators, including actor Steve Schirripa, expressed concern as the situation unfolded. Destry Spielberg, daughter of acclaimed director Steven Spielberg, was also present at her first courtside Knicks game. She later described the experience as one she would “never forget,” highlighting the unexpected nature of the incident.
Speculation and Tracy Morgan’s Response
Following the game, rapper 50 Cent humorously suggested that Morgan’s illness was caused by excessive consumption of Branson cognac. However, Morgan quickly dispelled these rumors, clarifying that he had suffered from food poisoning. Speaking from the hospital, he reassured fans that he was recovering well and expressed gratitude to the Madison Square Garden staff for their prompt assistance.
Tracy Morgan’s History of Health Challenges
Morgan has faced several significant health issues in the past. In 2010, he underwent a kidney transplant due to complications from diabetes. In 2014, he survived a near-fatal car accident that left him with a traumatic brain injury, requiring extensive rehabilitation. His resilience in overcoming these challenges has been widely admired.
Morgan’s Ongoing Career and Public Support
Despite his past and recent health setbacks, Morgan remains active in the entertainment industry. He recently participated in SNL50, the 50th-anniversary celebration of Saturday Night Live, and is set to star in a new NBC series alongside his 30 Rock co-star, Tina Fey.
Following the incident, numerous fans and celebrities, including Ben Stiller and former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III, took to social media to extend their well-wishes for Morgan’s speedy recovery. The event served as a reminder of both the unpredictability of health issues and Morgan’s enduring resilience.
