TEMPE, Ariz. — A suburban Phoenix official has filed a claim against Arizona State University, saying the school mascot seriously injured his back when the costumed character jumped on him at a football game soon after surgery.
The Arizona Republic reported Wednesday that Tempe City Councilman David Schapira is seeking more than $96,000 in damages and an additional $27,000 to reimburse the city for medical bills after he was injured at the game Sept. 18.
The filing says ASU's mascot Sparky jumped on Schapira's back while he was taking a photo on the sidelines during halftime. The councilman had back surgery two months earlier and hadn't yet recovered.
Schapira said the claim is not groundwork for a future lawsuit.
ASU apologized again and has offered to pay the councilman's medical expenses.