NYPD Cop Seriously Injured in MSG Brawl Involving Rapper Lil Tjay

Lawsuit alleges MSG and promoter failed to provide adequate security at boxing event where officer was assaulted.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An NYPD officer from Staten Island is suing Madison Square Garden, rapper Lil Tjay, and a promoter over an alleged melee in the stands during a boxing event at MSG's Hulu Theater in February 2025. The officer, John Przybyszewski, claims he was 'permanently injured' after being pushed to the ground by Lil Tjay and others. The lawsuit alleges MSG and the promoter were negligent in staffing only two paid detail officers, despite determining eight were necessary to safely operate the high-profile event.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing security challenges at large-scale events and the potential legal liabilities venues and organizers face when incidents occur. The case also raises questions about celebrity conduct and accountability, as well as the role of off-duty police officers providing security at such events.

The details

According to the lawsuit, the incident unfolded on February 14, 2025 during a boxing event at MSG's Hulu Theater. As fights played out in the ring, MSG staff and paid detail officers responded to a disturbance in the stands involving rapper Lil Tjay and his entourage. Przybyszewski, one of two NYPD officers working security that night, was instructed to remove Lil Tjay, who allegedly became 'volatile and combative' with staff and other guests. When Przybyszewski approached Lil Tjay to deliver the message, the rapper pushed him, causing Przybyszewski to be knocked to the ground as multiple people fell on top of him. Przybyszewski suffered cervical spinal injuries and was rushed to the hospital.

  • The incident occurred on February 14, 2025 during a boxing event at MSG's Hulu Theater.
  • Przybyszewski joined the NYPD in 2018.

The players

John Przybyszewski

An NYPD officer from Staten Island who was working a paid security detail at the MSG event and was seriously injured in the brawl.

Tione Jayden Merritt (Lil Tjay)

A Bronx-born rapper who was attending the boxing event and allegedly became 'volatile and combative' with MSG staff, leading to the confrontation with Przybyszewski.

Madison Square Garden (MSG)

The iconic New York City arena where the boxing event and alleged brawl took place.

Top Rank

The promoter of the boxing event who is named in the lawsuit alongside MSG.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I may never know how far my career could have gone, or what my full potential truly was.”

— John Przybyszewski, NYPD Officer (New York Post)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed against MSG, Lil Tjay, and the promoter.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the security challenges venues and event organizers face, as well as the potential legal liabilities when incidents involving high-profile individuals occur. It also raises questions about celebrity conduct and accountability at large-scale events.