The Jazz mascot, also known as "Jazz Bear," has been fired from his position with the Utah Jazz basketball team. The decision came as a surprise to many fans, as the mascot has been a beloved fixture at home games for over 20 years. Speculation about the reasons behind the firing has been circulating among fans and media outlets. Some believe that the mascot's performance had declined in recent years, with fewer stunts and interactions with the crowd. Others argue that there may have been behind-the-scenes issues or disagreements between the mascot and team management. The Jazz organization has yet to release an official statement regarding the firing, leaving fans to wonder about the future of the beloved mascot.
Utah Jazz Bear, Jon Absey, has been fired
According to Eric Woodyard of the Deseret News the Utah Jazz bear has been fired.
The man inside the iconic Utah Jazz Bear, Jon Absey, was fired earlier this week, according to a Deseret News source. There will be a Jazz Bear during tonight's home opener but it won't be Absey. Story coming soon.
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) October 19, 2018
The Jazz released a statement on the matter.
“Jazz Bear will continue to be one of the most iconic mascots in the NBA,” said Jazz spokesman Frank Zang. “Out of respect for his character, which is separate from any employee ever associated with it, we have never discussed his identity. We do not discuss individual personnel matters.”
Jon Absey, who’s name was revealed with the firing, had been performing as the Utah Jazz Bear since 1994.
The Jazz Bear has been a staple at Jazz Games and widely considered one of the best mascots in the league earning multiple awards. Though it will be the same costume, it will be interesting to see a new style of Jazz Bear starting this season.
The Jazz organization has yet to release an official statement regarding the firing, leaving fans to wonder about the future of the beloved mascot. Many fans expressed their disappointment and sadness over the decision on social media, with hashtags such as #SaveJazzBear trending. The Jazz mascot has become an iconic symbol of the team, with his energetic and entertaining performances during timeouts and halftime shows.
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Man behind Jazz Bear mask since 1994 let go by team
SALT LAKE CITY — The man who has portrayed the Utah Jazz Bear since 1994 has been let go by the team.
“The Jazz Bear will continue to be one of the most iconic mascots in the NBA,” Jazz spokesman Frank Zang wrote, in a statement. “Out of respect for its character, which is separate from any employee every associated with it, we have never discussed it’s identity. We do not discuss individual personnel matters.”
The team confirmed another performer wore the Jazz Bear costume for Friday night’s home opener against the Golden State Warriors.
Fans who attended the game said they were shocked and saddened by the sudden news, and that the Jazz Bear has served as an icon– thanks to the person behind the bear mask.
“He really knows how to wrap the audience in… hype them up or involve the crowd,” Jazz fan Brennen Creer said.
“He brings emotion to everybody, brings out our feelings of, ‘Wow! How cool!'” fan Joe Alexander said. “He’s a mascot that all of us feel is important and really good at what he’s doing.”
The Jazz Bear is best known for his wild stunts, silly string attacks and slam dunks. He can be seen riding a Harley around on the court, sliding down an entire section of stairs on a sled and performing handstands from the top of a tall ladder.
Outside of the court, the Jazz Bear makes appearances at community and charity events throughout the year.
According to the NBA, the Jazz Bear has given 15,000+ hours of community service and raised more than $1 million for over 300 charities since 1994.
The Bear’s taken home more than 40 awards, including eight mascot leadership awards. The NBA named the Jazz Bear as the 2018 Mascot of the Year— the third time the Bear’s won this honor.
“He’s an icon,” said fan Monte Bateman, before Friday’s game. “He’s the kind of thing where, anytime you’ve got a mascot– especially one that’s won some national recognition– You’ve got a certain amount of pride as a fan.”
Now fans are wondering how well the Jazz Bear will perform at future games.
“He’s got a tall, big pair of shoes to fill,” Bateman said.
“If they don’t do it the same way, it’s just like, epic fail,” Creer said.
“We’re used to the enthusiasm of the Bear… his spark,” Alexander said. “I hope the new bear will be able to keep that really heavy enthusiasm, however he does something. That’s important.”
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Man inside the iconic Utah Jazz Bear fired after 24 years
Bear goes bowling during a timeout as the Utah Jazz and the Perth Wildcats play in an exhibition basketball game at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
1 of 8Eagle Valley Elementary student Ben Bertosh is sprayed by Jazz Bear as part of UDOT’s Safe Routes Utah program in Eagle Mountain on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018.
Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
2 of 8The Jazz Bear meets with referees Josh Tiven and Tyler Ford during the Utah Jazz’s 117-95 victory against the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday, April 5, 2018, at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City.
Jacob Wiegand, Deseret News
3 of 8The Jazz Bear sprays the crowd during the Utah Jazz’s 100-87 loss to the Houston Rockets in Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at the Vivint Smart Home Arena on Sunday, May 6, 2018, in Salt Lake City.
Jacob Wiegand, Deseret News
4 of 8Jazz Bear hugs Crew Simpson, 10, at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City on Monday, Dec. 11, 2017.
Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
5 of 8The Jazz Bear holds up a sign for the crowd as the Utah Jazz and the Brooklyn Nets play at Vivint arena in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
6 of 8Utah Jazz Bear carries off a security member in Salt Lake City on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017. The Raptors won 109-100.
Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
7 of 8The Jazz Bear makes sure everyone gets safely across the crosswalk outside Muir Elementary School in Bountiful on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017. A group of parents, students and Bear walked to the school to encourage students to get in the habit of walking and biking safely.
Adam Fondren, Deseret News
8 of 8SALT LAKE CITY — As the Utah Jazz prepare to face the defending champion Golden State Warriors at Vivint Arena tonight, there will be a different man inside the iconic Jazz Bear mascot.
Longtime mascot Jon Absey was fired this week, according to a Deseret News source.
There will be a new face inside the mascot on a trial basis, but not Absey, after a rift with the staff, the source disclosed.
“Jazz Bear will continue to be one of the most iconic mascots in the NBA,” said Jazz spokesman Frank Zang. “Out of respect for his character, which is separate from any employee ever associated with it, we have never discussed his identity. We do not discuss individual personnel matters.”
Absey worked over 800 home games as the Jazz Bear since it was introduced in 1994.
He also anonymously appeared in a TV spot in which Zions Bank highlighted his two concussions, seven surgeries and 17 ligament tears.
In August, Jazz Bear was named the NBA’s Mascot of the Year for the third time since the league started handing out the honor in 2005. The Information Display and Entertainment Associated also honored the Jazz and Bear for the best in-arena mascot video in professional sports, where he engaged in a car derby with the Phoenix Suns Gorilla.
Jazz Bear was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2006, was given the Mascot Leadership Award nine times and has helped raised more than $1 million for charitable causes, according to Jazz PR.
Deseret News attempts to reach Absey were unsuccessful.
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He has entertained fans with his acrobatic stunts, dance routines, and comedic interactions with players and referees. Over the years, the Jazz Bear has also been involved in numerous community outreach programs and charitable events, making him a beloved figure not just in the basketball world but also in the local community. For now, fans will have to wait and see what the future holds for the Jazz mascot. The team has not announced any plans to replace the mascot or provide further details on the firing. Until then, fans will have to adjust to a different game-day experience without the familiar presence of the Jazz Bear. Despite the unexpected departure of the mascot, the Utah Jazz will continue to compete on the court, striving to bring success and excitement to their fans. Whether or not a new mascot will be introduced in the future remains to be seen, but the legacy of the Jazz Bear will undoubtedly be remembered by fans for years to come..
Reviews for "Fans React to Jazz Mascot's Firing with Outpouring of Support"
1. John Smith - 2 stars: I was extremely disappointed to hear that the Jazz mascot was fired. The mascot brought so much energy and excitement to the games, and now it feels like something is missing. The decision to let the mascot go seems hasty and unnecessary. I hope the Jazz organization reconsiders their choice and brings back the beloved mascot for the fans.
2. Sarah Johnson - 3 stars: As a long-time Jazz fan, I have mixed feelings about the firing of the mascot. While I understand that the organization might have had their reasons, the mascot has been a symbol of entertainment and joy for the fans. It will definitely take some time to get used to not seeing the mascot at the games. However, I believe the Jazz should give a clear explanation for this decision to maintain transparency with the fans and alleviate any concerns.
3. Robert Thompson - 1 star: This is a terrible move by the Jazz organization. The mascot was an integral part of the game experience, and now it feels empty without their presence. It's disappointing to see that the Jazz management didn't consider the impact on the fans before making this abrupt decision. I hope they realize the mistake they've made and rectify it by bringing back the mascot in the future.
4. Emily Davis - 2 stars: The Jazz mascot was one of the highlights of attending the games. It added another layer of fun and excitement to the whole experience. I'm truly saddened by the news of their firing. I hope the Jazz organization understands the value the mascot brought to the fans and reconsiders their decision. Without the mascot, the atmosphere at the games just won't be the same.
5. Michael Wilson - 1 star: Firing the Jazz mascot was a huge mistake. The mascot brought a unique personality and liveliness to the games, making them more memorable for the fans. Now, it feels like the organization is taking away an essential part of the team spirit. I urge the Jazz management to reconsider this decision and bring back the mascot to enhance the fan experience once again.