Official Files $123K Claim Following Arizona University Mascot Pounce

A suburban Phoenix official filed a claim against Arizona State University, saying the school mascot seriously injured his back when the costumed character playfully leaped on him at a football game two months after surgery.

Tempe City Councilman David Schapira said the mascot’s prank on Sept. 18 set back his recovery and led to a four-day hospital stay and physical therapy.

Schapira is seeking more than $96,000 in damages and an additional $27,000 to reimburse the city for his medical bills.

The ASU Sun Devils’ mascot Sparky jumped on Schapira’s back while he was taking a photo on the sidelines during halftime of the game. The councilman said he was using a cane and had just handed it to his wife to hold when the mascot pounced. He thinks Sparky probably didn’t see him walking with it earlier.

ASU officials have already publicly apologized and promised to cover his medical expenses from the mishap. The claim is simply part of that process, Schapira said.