Utah Jazz Fire Bear Mascot Performer Before Home Opener

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Just as fans were gearing up for the Utah Jazz home opener, news dropped that the performer who’s been bringing the Jazz Bear to life since 1994 was fired.

Jon Absey has been the athlete behind the mascot since the mascot’s inception more than two-and-a-half decades ago. Information as to why Asbey had been fired was not made available.

“Jazz Bear will continue to be one of the most iconic mascots in the NBA,” said Jazz spokesomn 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.

Zang said the Jazz Bear will be at the home opener to entertain the crowds and support the team, but he wouldn’t say if it would be Absey.

Social media was not happy

Jazz Bear Jon Absey fired after 24 years over “rift with staff.” That had better be one heck of a rift.

— Jedi Jerm Devn (@jediandjerms) October 19, 2018

I’m really upset about this jazz bear stuff 🙄

— Tyler Kenney (@tyler_kenney11) October 19, 2018

I Cant Believe The Jazz Bear Got Fired pic.twitter.com/dQYln0vIwQ

— ZDOG (@ZDOG223) October 19, 2018

Although some people were here for the drama

I need to know everything about the Jazz Bear firing immediately. I’m ready for mascot drama.

— Jessica Kokesh (@JessicaKokesh) October 19, 2018

For others, ignorance was bliss

Why report this? if Jazz bear is being replaced, nobody would know the difference… Would prefer not to know what happens behind the costume..

— Boone Brady (@b_rad_y) October 19, 2018

Many made jokes

That awkward moment when Jazz Bear gets fired 😳 pic.twitter.com/ehiESGQfOP

— Emmalynne King (@EmmaKing57) October 19, 2018

Ben Affleck is…Jazz Bear. In theaters January 2019. pic.twitter.com/yeD8MOFyJo

— T🎃R‼️ (@toriimacdaddy) October 19, 2018

People going to the Viv – Let us know if Jazz Bear is a smooth transition or if it’s like the first time you heard someone not Frank Oz voice Cookie Monster. #TeamIsEverything

— Jedi Jerm Devn (@jediandjerms) October 19, 2018

Please tell me OG Jazz Bear quit over #teamiseverything #takenoteiseverything

— Swat Lake City (@Neildos) October 19, 2018

Baby bear to the new Jazz bear tonight. pic.twitter.com/bkiZumXfSW

— Tyler Abegglen (@tda11) October 19, 2018

Others shared memories

That time the Jazz Bear got even… pic.twitter.com/1ODnCoPLzg

— Utah Is Awesome (@UtahIsAwesome) October 19, 2018

But mostly fans were sad

RIP Jazz Bear. #GoLancers #TakeState @bprit22 pic.twitter.com/WsvAbvBUWp

— Chad Pritchett (@cprit22) October 19, 2018

We’ll have to see if the replacement is as good as the original. We’ll keep our heads held high in solidarity as the Jazz face off against the Warriors.

when you’ve been fired as Jazz Bear pic.twitter.com/me9ORHRU1I

— T🎃R‼️ (@toriimacdaddy) October 19, 2018