Behind the Scenes of Horror: The Making of a Creepy Mascot

Have you ever attended a sporting event or a college game and encountered a creepy mascot? Mascots are meant to be fun and engaging, but sometimes they can come off as downright creepy. When we think of mascots, we often picture brightly-colored costumes and energetic performers who entertain the crowd. However, there are instances where mascots can go wrong and cross over from entertaining to genuinely unsettling. One example that comes to mind is the infamous mascot "The Crazy Crab" of the San Francisco Giants baseball team. Introduced in the 1980s, The Crazy Crab was known for its bizarre appearance and unsettling behavior. It would purposely antagonize fans and players, leading to a mostly negative response from the crowd.

Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
If Haywood Highsmith continues to evolve into a rotation player, the Nikola Jovic speculation might have proven premature. – 7:48 PM

Anthony Chiang Anthony_Chiang From earlier Jamal Cain still working to prove he deserves a spot on the Heat s standard roster I know I m an NBA player miamiherald. Miami Heat MiamiHEAT Haywood made the most of his minutes, Niko returned to action Jamal continued to impress in preseason Tap in to read more of CoupNBA s takeaways from tonight s game ️ gohe.

It would purposely antagonize fans and players, leading to a mostly negative response from the crowd. The mascot was eventually removed due to its unpopularity and replaced with a more friendly and likable character. Another instance of a creepy mascot is the original mascot of the New Orleans Pelicans NBA team, Pierre the Pelican.

Live stream: Nets 107, Heat 104

The Brooklyn Nets (2-2) play against the Miami Heat (2-2) at Kaseya Center Live Stream: fuboTV (Watch for free)
NBA League Pass: The most live games plus NBA TV. Free trial Game Time: 7:30 PM EDT on Wednesday October 18, 2023 Brooklyn Nets 107, Miami Heat 104 (Final)

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
The #Nets signed guard Kennedy Chandler and center Patrick Gardner. – 12:51 AM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
#Nets defense steps up in preseason finale with win over #Heat nypost.com/2023/10/19/net… via @nypostsports – 12:49 AM

Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Many of the regulars sat and Josh Richardson left early because of a foot injury. But there were some bright spots (Jamal Cain, Haywood Highsmith, etc.) in the Heat’s preseason loss to the Nets miamiherald.com/sports/nba/mia… Takeaways and postgame reaction – 11:11 PM

Erik Slater @erikslater_
The Nets have signed guard Kennedy Chandler and center Patrick Gardner, per team.
Both will eventually join Long Island. – 11:04 PM

Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
Haywood made the most of his minutes, Niko returned to action & Jamal continued to impress in preseason
Tap in to read more of @CoupNBA’s takeaways from tonight’s game ⤵️ gohe.at/46AOQaW – 10:53 PM

Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Asked Haywood Highsmith about that floater tonight, and if he sees that opening up for him more often now:
Says other than the short roll, the focus has been catching and getting to it
“Sometimes the only shot is that floater and getting it over the big.” – 10:31 PM

Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Erik Spoelstra on Dru Smith:
“Under the radar stuff. It’s not spectacular stuff, but it’s winning stuff.”
Credits his steadiness and ability to compliment their main guys well and just fit in – 10:27 PM

Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Spo on of Haywood Highsmith has earned a bigger role:
“I love when players make you think, and that’s what (Haywood) is doing right now.” pic.twitter.com/zcmifkwqTQ – 10:24 PM

Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Josh Richardson, who left tonight’s game early with a foot injury, will be re-evaluated tomorrow. – 10:22 PM

Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Josh Richardson will undergo treatment tomorrow for his right foot and be reevaluated then. – 10:20 PM

Evan Barnes @evan_b
More Nets’ stats from tonight’s win.
Ben Simmons had just 2 points on 0-4 shooting but had 8 rebs/7 assists
Bridges and Finney-Smith each had 11 points
Cam Thomas had 14 points.
The Nets’ defense looked a lot better tonight in stretches. Now the games count. – 10:09 PM

Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
NEW: A new injury, Jamal Cain continues to impress and other takeaways from the Heat’s preseason loss to the Nets miamiherald.com/sports/nba/mia… – 10:08 PM

Nick DePaula @NickDePaula
Nets vs Heat sneaker highlights:
• Mikal Bridges – Sabrina 1
• Duncan Robinson – Kobe 6 PE
• Ben Simmons – GT Hustle
• Jamal Cain – Kobe 9 Low pic.twitter.com/zUCep2RW3c – 10:07 PM

Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
With four open Heat jobs (including 3 2-ways), do you simply do Cain (obvious), Swider, Dru Smith (10 assists tonight, Heat likes him and needs PG depth) and injured Hampton? Does Champagnie or a released player from elsewhere enter equation? Some clarity coming by Saturday – 10:07 PM

Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Adebayo gets work in early then sits with rest of Heat starters in 107-104 exhibition loss to Nets. sun-sentinel.com/2023/10/18/ade… Five Degrees of Heat. – 10:01 PM

Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Nikola Jovic gets fouled on the game-tying 3 with 5.9 to go. Has a chance to make three free throws to force preseason OT. pic.twitter.com/GvnAT4qygk – 9:57 PM

Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
The Heat’s first four preseason games have been clutch games. Welcome back! – 9:43 PM

Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
The Heat trying to do it again with this group in the 4th
Cole Swider deep 3 – 9:42 PM

Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Nikola Jovic finally sinks a 3. In his defense, that was the first sorta normal C&S attempt he’s had the entire game. – 9:28 PM

Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
End of third quarter: Nets 79, Heat 77. Jamal Cain with 14 rebounds in 29 minutes for the Heat. – 9:23 PM

Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Nets 79, Heat 77 heading into fourth, as we all await overtime. Cain with 14 (!) rebounds for Heat. Highsmith 15 points. No Butler, Herro, Love, Lowry, Martin and, now, Adebayo for Heat. – 9:22 PM

Matt Williams @StatsWilliams
Jordan Poole scored 41 points against the Knicks. The last 2 players to score that many points in a preseason game:
– Stephen Curry in 2021 vs Trail Blazers (41)
– James Harden in 2019 vs Heat (44) – 9:22 PM

Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
Duncan float game ☑️
We lead 70-67 with 6:13 left in Q3. Tune in on Bally Sports Sun & NBA TV 📺 pic.twitter.com/2gjgF0RuDs – 9:06 PM

Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Jamal Cain continuing his strong preseason tonight with seven points and 12 rebounds. – 9:05 PM

Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
I’ve liked a lot of these drives and finishes from Justin Champagnie – 9:02 PM

Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Looks like Adebayo done for night, with Thomas Bryant starting second half. – 8:55 PM

Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Jamal Cain’s buzzer beater waived off. Heat lead the Nets 59-58 at halftime. – 8:40 PM

Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Halftime: Heat 61, Nets 58. Bam Adebayo with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Haywood Highsmith with 13 points (3 of 3 on threes). – 8:40 PM

Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Heat 61, Nets 58 at half. Adebayo 14 points, Highsmith 13. Cain nine (!) rebounds, Smith seven assists. – 8:39 PM

Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
I’ve never seen a Duncan Robinson back cut not work when Bam Adebayo has the ball – 8:34 PM

Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Per Heat: : Josh Richardson left tonight’s game with a right foot injury. He will not return. – 8:34 PM

Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Duncan Robinson is 1 of 3 on 3-pointers but he’s up to four assists. Feels like all of them have been to Bam but idk. – 8:33 PM

Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Per Heat: Josh Richardson left tonight’s game with a right foot injury. He will not return. – 8:31 PM

Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Now in for the Heat:
Dru Smith
Duncan Robinson
Haywood Highsmith
Nikola Jovic
Bam Adebayo
I’m kinda excited for this group? – 8:23 PM

Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Not many takeaways from me in that last stint, but Thomas Bryant overall control on the short roll is one
Some good stuff and change of speeds in that range
Interested to see how it looks with a consistent bench lineup – 8:21 PM

Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Dru Smith checks out with five points and five assists in eight minutes. His best stretch of the preseason. – 8:18 PM

Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Dru Smith up to five points and five assists in eight minutes. – 8:17 PM

Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Josh Richardson left tonight’s game with a right foot injury and will not return, per the Heat. – 8:12 PM

Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
#BKNvsMIA INJURY UPDATE: Josh Richardson left tonight’s game with a right foot injury. He will not return. – 8:12 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Dinwiddie from 46 feet to beat the first quarter buzzer. #Nets trail the #Heat 34-29 after being down by as much as 16. – 8:11 PM

Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
End of first quarter: Heat 34, Nets 29. Bam Adebayo with 12 points and three rebounds. Haywood Highsmith with eight points (2 of 2 shooting on threes) and two rebounds. Jamal Cain with six rebounds. – 8:11 PM

Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Heat 34, Nets 29 at end of one. Adebayo with 12 points, Highsmith eight. Cain with six rebounds. – 8:10 PM

Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Nine shots in eight minutes for Bam Adebayo. He’s up to 12 points and three rebounds. Between this start and Sunday’s game vs Memphis, Bam looks ready for the regular season. – 8:00 PM

Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
The only projected opening-night starter available, Bam Adebayo up to a quick 12 points for the Heat. – 8:00 PM

Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
Haywood’s 2nd triple of the night, he’s leading us early with 8 points
We have a 20-9 lead, tune in on Bally Sports Sun & NBA TV 📺 pic.twitter.com/WCgmc1wdTN – 7:58 PM

Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Josh Richardson checks out after his first preseason stint at point guard: 0 points, 1 assist, 1 steal, 0 turnovers. Plus-9 in nearly 7 minutes. – 7:57 PM

Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Haywood Highsmith looks like he has so much more confidence in that jumper this year. Duncan Robinson called it with us on media day youtu.be/_R47jXSex5A – 7:53 PM

Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Haywood Highsmith now shooting 8 of 13 (61.5 percent) on threes this preseason. – 7:52 PM

Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
Bam middy to cleanse the TL
We’re underway on Bally Sports Sun & NBA TV 📺 pic.twitter.com/bbymtAkVQ9 – 7:49 PM

Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
If Haywood Highsmith continues to evolve into a rotation player, the Nikola Jovic speculation might have proven premature. – 7:48 PM

Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Haywood Highsmith has taken turns guarding both Ben Simmons and Mikal Bridges. Forced both to miss contested jumpers. – 7:46 PM

Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
So Josh Richardson is finally, like, actually playing point guard with Lowry and Herro out. A lot of Bam screening early on. – 7:44 PM

Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
Messi out for Inter Miami’s home finale, says he wants to play Saturday at Charlotte (from @AP) apnews.com/article/752187… – 7:32 PM

Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
From earlier: Jamal Cain still working to prove he deserves a spot on the Heat’s standard roster: “I know I’m an NBA player” miamiherald.com/sports/nba/mia… – 7:21 PM

Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Heat tonight starting Bam Adebayo, Haywood Highsmith, Jamal Cain, Duncan Robinson and Josh Richardson. – 7:08 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Someone’s definitely at MSG wearing a Basquiat Nets jersey.
Should I tell him he’s at the wrong arena? – 7:05 PM

Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Josh Richardson, Duncan Robinson, Jamal Cain, Haywood Highsmith and Bam Adebayo starting tonight for the Heat. – 7:04 PM

Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Heat starting:
Josh Richardson
Duncan Robinson
Jamal Cain
Haywood Highsmith
Bam Adebayo – 7:04 PM

Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Heat starters tonight:
Josh Richardson
Jamal Cain
Duncan Robinson
Haywood Highsmith
Bam Adebayo – 7:04 PM

Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
With a bunch of the regulars out, the Heat starting Josh Richardson, Duncan Robinson, Haywood Highsmith, Jamal Cain and Bam Adebayo in tonight’s preseason game against the Nets. – 7:01 PM

Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNets
Tonight’s starters vs. @MiamiHEAT ⤵️
@BenSimmons25
@SDinwiddie_25
@mikal_bridges
@doefinney_10
@_claxton33 – 6:45 PM

Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Heat now say Kyle Lowry also is out tonight, also to allow others to play. – 6:40 PM

Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Along with missing Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, Caleb Martin, R.J. Hampton, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kevin Love, the Heat will also be without Kyle Lowry for tonight’s preseason game.
Lowry out to allow others to play more minutes. – 6:39 PM

Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
Kyle Lowry also out tonight, so others may play. Same reason as Kevin Love. – 6:34 PM

Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Jeff Green sitting for rest tonight in San Antonio. Jalen Green and Tari Eason are also out. Friday vs. Miami expected to be the full squad dress rehearsal. – 6:34 PM

Nick Wright @getnickwright
With the Clippers deal now essentially being dead, Harden’s camp is now engaging in an ostensibly desperate PR offensive against the Sixers, lobbying accusations that date back to his time in Brooklyn.
James Harden quits on a team & torches them on his way out, Part 3. – 6:27 PM

Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Not sure you’ve ever seen a Ben Simmons workout video so here’s one. pic.twitter.com/l0r8gPQXy1 – 6:22 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Jacque Vaughn hopes to see Cam Johnson practice on Saturday. #Nets – 6:04 PM

Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
#BKNvsMIA INJURY UPDATE: RJ Hampton (hip), Tyler Herro (thigh), Caleb Martin (knee), Jaime Jaquez (groin), Jimmy Butler (return to competition conditioning) and Kevin Love (allow others the opportunity to play) have all been ruled out of tonight’s preseason game vs the Nets. – 5:57 PM

Erik Slater @erikslater_
To my knowledge, the Nets only have three uniforms for the upcoming season: Their traditional black and white and the new KAWS city edition.
They’ve yet to release their statement or classic edition unis for 2023-24. Last year’s were Jordan edition and ABA throwbacks: pic.twitter.com/vnLqVptdXv – 5:56 PM

Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Asked if Caleb Martin is on track to play opening night, Spo said he’s “encouraged by his progress” – 5:54 PM

Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Well we’ve got something to watch for tonight
Nikola Jovic
Plus his time next to Bam Adebayo
I’m interested to see how they use him – 5:54 PM

Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
So, that means Nikola Jovic, Josh Richardson and Dru Smith are playing in tonight’s preseason game against the Nets.
All three missed Sunday’s preseason game with injuries. – 5:54 PM

Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
So no injuries for Jimmy Butler or Kevin Love. Heat calling Butler return-to-competition reconditioning and saying Love sitting out tonight so others can play. – 5:54 PM

Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Erik Spoelstra said Tyler Herro (thigh contusion) is day-to-day. The expectation is he’ll be ready for next week’s season opener. – 5:52 PM

Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
Butler, Love, Herro, Martin, Jaquez and Hampton out for the Heaters tonight. – 5:51 PM

Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Nikola Jovic is available for the first time since the first half of the preseason opener. With so many guys out, it could be the Niko Show. – 5:51 PM

Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
The Heat’s lineup tonight will look something like this:
Kyle Lowry
Josh Richardson
Duncan Robinson
Nikola Jovic
Bam Adebayo
Cole Swider
Jamal Cain
Haywood Highsmith
Thomas Bryant – 5:50 PM

Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Spo says Tyler Herro is day to day and is expected to be available for the start of the regular season – 5:50 PM

Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Heat injury report for tonight:
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (groin): Out
Caleb Martin (knee): Out
RJ Hampton (hip): Out.
Jimmy Butler (conditioning): Out
Tyler Herro (thigh): Out.
Kevin Love (rest) Out. – 5:49 PM

Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Not playing for the Heat tonight:
Jimmy Butler
Tyler Herro
Caleb Martin
R.J. Hampton
Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Kevin Love – 5:48 PM

Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
The following players won’t play tonight for the Heat:
RJ Hampton, Tyler Herro (left thigh contusion), Caleb Martin, Jaime Jaquez, Jimmy Butler, and Kevin Love – 5:47 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Jacque Vaughn hopes to see Cam Johnson practice on Saturday. #Nets – 6:04 PM

When Pierre was first unveiled, fans were shocked by its unsettling appearance, with its oversized beak and large, unsettling eyes. The mascot received so much negative feedback that it underwent a makeover to become less creepy and more appealing to fans. Creepy mascots can leave a lasting impression on both children and adults, often causing discomfort and fear rather than joy and excitement. It is crucial for sports teams and organizations to carefully consider the design and behavior of their mascots to ensure they are engaging and not creepy. In conclusion, mascots are meant to be entertaining and bring joy to fans, but they can sometimes miss the mark and become creepy and unsettling. These instances highlight the importance of carefully designing mascots to ensure that they engage with the audience in a positive and enjoyable way. After all, the ultimate goal of a mascot is to create a positive and memorable experience for fans, and a creepy mascot can have the opposite effect..

Reviews for "Creepy Mascots and Urban Legends: Separating Fact from Fiction"

1. Katherine - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Mascot creepy hour". The concept seemed interesting, but the execution fell flat for me. The scares were predictable and the storyline lacked originality. The characters were one-dimensional and I found it hard to connect with any of them. Overall, it just didn't live up to the hype for me.

2. Robert - 1/5 stars - "Mascot creepy hour" was one of the worst horror movies I've seen in a while. The scares were cheap and relied heavily on jump scares, which became repetitive and boring after a while. The plot was confusing and seemed disjointed, making it hard to follow along. The acting was subpar, with many of the actors delivering their lines in a forced and uninspiring manner. Overall, I would not recommend wasting your time on this film.

3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Mascot creepy hour", but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. While there were some creepy moments, they were overshadowed by a convoluted plot and lackluster acting. The film lacked a clear direction, leaving me confused and uninvested in what was happening on screen. Additionally, the characters felt underdeveloped and it was hard to care about their fates. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and it didn't leave a lasting impression.

4. Michael - 2.5/5 stars - "Mascot creepy hour" had potential, but it ultimately failed to deliver a truly terrifying experience. The scares were hit and miss, with some moments feeling forced and others falling flat. The pacing was off, with the movie dragging at times and rushing through important plot points at others. While there were some genuinely creepy moments, they were overshadowed by the film's shortcomings. It's not the worst horror movie out there, but it certainly didn't leave a lasting impression on me.

5. Emily - 1/5 stars - I cannot express how disappointed I was with "Mascot creepy hour". The concept seemed intriguing, but the execution was a complete mess. The scares were predictable and lacked any real tension or suspense. The acting was cringe-worthy, with wooden performances that made it hard to take the film seriously. The plot was confusing and seemed to jump around without any clear direction. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this underwhelming horror flick.

Unlocking the Secrets of Creepy Mascot Stares