Meek Mill is Philly born and Philly bred, which comes through in things like his music and his love of sports teams in the City of Brotherly Love. Upon his imprisonment for a parole violation, athletes around Philadelphia made it a point to offer there support for him, with the Philadelphia Eagles even running onto the field before Super Bowl LII to “Dreams and Nightmares.”
On Tuesday afternoon, word dropped that the fight to get Meek Mill out of prison had reached a conclusion, as the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled for his immediate release. It also just happened to occur hours before the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat square off in Game 5 of their series, one which the Sixers lead 3-1.
The game is happening in Philadelphia, so obviously, everyone wants to know if Meek will be in attendance. According to Sixers co-owner Michael Rubin, it’s likely going to occur, and if he’s able to make it to the Wells Fargo Center in time, he’ll kick off the pregame festivities.
https://twitter.com/bydanielvictor/status/988876977041002496
In addition, Meek’s lawyer said that they’re going to try and make all of this happen.
#MeekMill attorney Brian McMonagle: “I am trying to get him home & get him to the @sixers game tonight.” @KYWNewsradio https://t.co/kkaAlszmFq
— Kristen Johanson (KJ) (@KristenJohanson) April 24, 2018
If this were to happen, the Wells Fargo Center would explode, and it would really create an unforgettable moment while making an already electric environment even more raucous. We’ll know in a few hours if this actually happens, but even if he doesn’t ring the bell, seeing him in attendance will be fantastic.
UPDATE: It appears that Meek Mill will make it to the game in time. According to Shams Charania of Yahoo! Sports, it’s expected that Meek Mill will get the chance to ring the bell on Tuesday evening.
Meek Mill is expected to arrive to Game 5 in time to ring 76ers’ ceremonial bell before game. Potential closeout game for Philadelphia. https://t.co/95qnlisaoK
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 24, 2018
Meek Mill is able to make it for two reasons: Rubin appeared to give him a ride, and someone organized for him to get transported over via helicopter.
#BREAKING Meek Mill has been released from prison. He is being flown to the @sixers game. @CBSPhilly @MeekMill #FreeMeekMill pic.twitter.com/NXAS1wuCwC
— Steve McK (@StevePMcK) April 24, 2018
The Sixers have the chance to win a postseason series during Game 5, but it’s possible the loudest ovation we’ll hear in Philly will come before the game even tips off.