The McDonald’s bag-toting individual who halted play at Wednesday night’s Loyola-Duquesne University men’s basketball game, indeed, wasn’t a DoorDash or Uber Eats driver.
“This was a prank, planned in advance, done for internet exposure,” Duquesne University’s athletic department said in a statement to Front Office Sports. “We determined that the individual was wearing a mic while someone filmed him as he walked on to the court during active play.
“While the incident may have seemed funny at the time, and no harm was done, we are mindful that incidents like this can put players and officials at risk.”
Early in the second half at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse, a male in a yellow hoodie walked onto the court, leading to a stoppage in play. He appeared to try to hand the bag to one of the refs before he was stopped and escorted off the court by security.
ESPN broadcasters who called the game speculated that the individual was from Uber Eats before those on social media claimed he was actually from DoorDash.
Another video showed the individual walking around the arena with the bag still in his hand.
“The University has reviewed its safety protocols and tightened its security measures to ensure conditions for our players and fans are safe and meet the standards for the highest level of competition in college basketball,” the Duquesne statement said.
