Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsSunday, June 21, 2026

Arizona State mascot leaps aboard back of city councilman, sends him back to the hospital

Devil attacks government.

Arizona State’s mascot, Sparky -- who is a devil, to get that out of the way -- was just trying to have some fun. Sparky saw a man posing for a picture along the Sun Devil Stadium sideline, ran at him full-tilt, and leapt aboard his back.

Unfortunately, that man turned out to be Tempe City councilman David Schapira, who was recovering from recent back surgery.

Schapira, who at the time had been walking with the help of a cane, said he “felt a pop” as the emissary of Satan jumped on top of him, which turned out to be a torn muscle.

Arizona State has offered to cover Schapira’s hospital bills. Sparky remains at large.

(via ABC15 Arizona)

* * *

SB Nation video archives: The creepiest mascots in sports (2014)

More in Lookit

Lookit
The 2023 cheese rolling champion face-planted, got a concussion, and regrets nothingThe 2023 cheese rolling champion face-planted, got a concussion, and regrets nothing
Lookit

Cheese rolling remains the stupidest, most dangerous sport in the world.

By James Dator
Lookit
There’s a ‘Mighty Ducks’ reboot TV show, and Emilio Estevez is backThere’s a ‘Mighty Ducks’ reboot TV show, and Emilio Estevez is back
Lookit
19 of the most absurd sports photos of the decade19 of the most absurd sports photos of the decade
Lookit

So many memes and funny sports moments to choose from!

By SB Nation Staff
Lookit
The history of the Turkey Leg Award, Thanksgiving’s best traditionThe history of the Turkey Leg Award, Thanksgiving’s best tradition
Lookit

Praise John Madden.

By Jessica Smetana
Lookit
17 sports Halloween costumes ideas for 201917 sports Halloween costumes ideas for 2019
Lookit

Your friends will be saying: “I wish I’d thought of that!”

By SB Nation Staff
Lookit
The ‘Bottle Cap Challenge’ is the newest sport for celebrities, and I’m here for itThe ‘Bottle Cap Challenge’ is the newest sport for celebrities, and I’m here for it
Lookit

Who knew John Mayer had kicking skills?

By James Dator