Israel Adesanya arrested at airport for brass knuckles
More bad luck befalls Israel Adesanya as he was arrested at JFK airport for criminal possession of brass knuckles. The arrest was made near the screening area in the American Airlines terminal where the knuckles were discovered by the New York’s Port Authority Police Department (PAPD).
The event occurred just days after the devastating loss of Adesanya’s middleweight title. Last Saturday’s loss at UFC 281 at Madison Square Garden was his first as a middleweight. He lost by technical knockout to rival Alex Pereira in the fifth round after the referee stopped the fight.
Metal knuckles are illegal in New York. TSA rules do allow metal knuckles if stored in checked luggage, but bans passengers from taking them in carry-on bags.
If charged and convicted, Adesanya could face up to one year in jail and fines. According to his manager, Tim Simpson, the knuckles were a gift handed to him by a fan which he put in his luggage, and the issue has now been resolved. He told TMZ Sports:
“Israel was handed a gift by a fan, which he put in his luggage. When flagged at the airport, Israel quickly disposed of the item, and cooperated with authorities. He has complied accordingly, with that the matter was dismissed and he is on his way home.”
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