Utah Jazz Bear Goes Viral as the Ultimate Creeper
By Ryan Aston
There’s little doubt that the Utah Jazz Bear is one of the best there is in the mascot game. Who knew he was also one of the creepiest.
When the D-League’s Salt Lake City Stars introduced their new mascot, Buster, I joked that the ursine crowd-pleaser’s blank expression was the stuff of nightmares. Apparently, that creepiness is a familial trait.
Buster’s “cousin,” the Utah Jazz Bear, is oft-cited as one of the best mascots in the sports world. In 2006, Bear even earned a spot in the Mascot Hall of Fame as part of its second-ever induction class. However, on Friday night, the usually fun-loving mascot showed his (her….its?!) dark side.
Really, Bear went full-creeper.
During a live broadcast, ESPN’s Michelle Beadle, Jalen Rose and Chauncey Billups were discussing the goings-on from the game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center. As they did so, some kind of mascot brouhaha was going down on the court just behind him.
It was seemingly standard fare for halftime entertainment, at least until the Jazz Bear broke ranks, sauntered over to the trio, and skulked over them with an icy death gaze sure to shake even the most stout of heart to their very core. Clips of “the happening” have been making the rounds on social media ever since.
Behold the darkness —
That’s either an epic photobomb or the harbinger of our impending demise. I’m not really sure which.
The ESPN crew didn’t notice Bear’s shenanigans as they happened. However, Beadle tweeted that she has since watched the clip back. Although she was amused by the antics, she too was creeped out by what transpired —
I've watched this 12 times in a row. And laughed every time. Creepy as hell. https://t.co/c5JcZaRYIQ
— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) February 25, 2017
Creepy as hell is right.
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It’s become clear to me where exactly Buster got that cold, blank stare. In any event, enjoy your nightmares!