265. “They thought I was either going to kill myself or kill a fan,” Former Utah Jazz Mascot John Absey said. 150 stitches & staples, 10 surgeries, and 27 torn ligaments & muscles later he shares his fun and fascinating story.

<p>The 50-plus John Absey won the 2017-18 Mascot of the Year award as Jazz Bear, marking <a href= "https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2018/10/19/utah-jazz-fire-their/">the fifth time</a> he garnered the honor in his career. Inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2006, Absey worked more than 800 home games as Jazz Bear.</p> <p>John grew up a farm boy and picked up that first mascot job at Morehouse State College for $25. One thing led to another, and he was asked to try out to be the Utah Jazz mascot in the early 1990s. John then worked more than 800 home games as the <strong>Jazz Bear</strong>. He didn't try to be anyone else or act like someone else in the suit and that he succeeded.</p> <p>At being 50 plus he can still do the splits.</p> <p> </p>