Flyers mascot 'Gritty' investigated for allegedly punching 13-year-old boy
Flyers 'found nothing to support' the allegation
Police are investigating an allegation that the person who plays Philadelphia Flyers mascot “Gritty” punched a 13-year-old boy during an event for season ticketholders late last year, according to a report Wednesday.
A longtime season ticket holder, Chris Greenwell, said the alleged assault occurred during a photo opportunity with the Flyers mascot last November, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. According to Greenwell’s account of the event, when his 13-year-old son patted Gritty on the head after their photo was taken, the mascot “took a running start” and “punched my son as hard as he could.”
Philadelphia police said there is an “active and ongoing” investigation into the incident, described as an “physical assault,” according to the Inquirer. Flyers officials disputed Greenwell’s account.
MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY ADDS THE ATHLETIC TO BUSINESS PORTFOLIO
“We took Mr. Greenwell’s allegations seriously and conducted a thorough investigation that found nothing to support this claim,” the Flyers said in a statement.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 13: Flyers mascot Gritty performs during the game between the Boston Bruins and the Philadelphia Flyers on January 13, 2020, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Imag
A Flyers representative did not comment on whether the person who plays “Gritty” is facing any disciplinary action over the alleged incident. Philadelphia police could not immediately be reached for further comment.
Gritty became a social media sensation following his debut in 2018. Created by FlyLand Designs with input from mascot consultant and original “Phillie Phanatic” David Raymond, Gritty is known for its googly eyes and disheveled appearance.
Gritty is such a popular figure in Philadelphia sports circles that it can cost about $3,000 per hour to book a private appearance, according to the Philly Voice. The Flyers website also has a “Gritty Command Center” page, where customers can book mascot-themed makeovers for up to $100.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
Greenwell and officials from Comcast Spectacor, the parent company of the Flyers, engaged in a lengthy correspondence in the weeks following the alleged attack. Team officials eventually said they found no proof to support the allegation but offered perks to Greenwell and his son to restore good relations.
Greenwell’s claim that a team official had previously admitted Gritty hit his son and said the mascot “recalls being hit on the head repeatedly by someone during one of the earlier photoshoots.” But that official disputes that he ever admitted that.
Greenwell provided documents to the Inquirer that showed a chiropractor diagnosed his son with a bone bruise.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXBUSINESS.COM