Adrien Broner’s intoxicated appearance shown on big screen in Atlanta

Adrien Broner’s heavily affected appearance backstage was shown on the big screen during Saturday’s boxing event at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. More than 16,000 fans attended the venue as Claressa Shields stopped Kaye Scott in the sixth round.

Broner was with Ray J’s streaming team before Ray J took part in the influencer section of the card. When DAZN cameras entered the dressing room, the former four-division world champion was seated beside Ray J and appeared to struggle to keep his eyes open.

The footage was later displayed inside the arena, bringing Broner’s condition to the attention of the crowd. He was also seen drinking from a cup before gagging immediately afterwards.

The appearance came only days after Broner was taken to hospital on a stretcher during a livestream. His streaming partner DeenTheGreat subsequently disclosed that Broner had been treated for pancreatitis and had later been released by doctors.

Broner had returned to drinking after leaving hospital and was later seen heavily intoxicated during a night out in Atlanta. Deen had also warned Blueface about drinking around Broner during that period.

The incident adds to concerns surrounding Broner’s efforts to return to boxing. He had pledged on August 6 to stop drinking while trying to prepare for another comeback, but his drinking later led to the hospitalisation described by Deen.

Broner’s alcohol problems predate his streaming work with Deen, although the current combination of livestreaming, nightlife and partying has continued alongside his comeback ambitions. The State Farm Arena footage placed those struggles in front of a much larger audience than his regular livestream viewers.