Tempe councilman files claim against Arizona State for mascot incident

Tempe, Ariz., Councilman David Schapira has filed a Notice of Claim against the Arizona State University after mascot Sparky reinjured his surgically repaired back.

Schapira was standing on the sidelines during the “City of Tempe night” halftime ceremonies of the Sept. 18 game against New Mexico.

“A moment after he landed squarely on my back, I felt a pop in my lower back,” Schapira wrote in his claim. “I tried to push Sparky off as my wife and others yelled to him to get off, but I needed the assistance of another Council Member, Joel Navarro, to get him off my back.”

According to the claim, Schapira staggered to a nearby fence and asked a security guard for a chair. The request was denied.

"I then sat down and eventually laid down on the ground as I could feel muscles in my back start to spasm,” wrote Schapira.

Schapira was transported by ambulance where he stayed for four days. He missed 10 total days of work. According to Schapira’s claim, doctors told him his severe muscle tear would take up to six months to fully heal.

Schapira is seeking $96,146 in total damages for himself and an additional $27,000 to reimburse the City of Tempe for what it has been billed as a result of the incident.

“ASU sincerely apologizes for the incident at the Sept. 18 game,” an Arizona State spokesman told the Arizona Republic via email. “We have offered our fullest assistance and cooperation in getting the Councilman’s bills paid, and we wish him a speedy recovery.”

For more Arizona State news, visit ASUDevils.com.

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday

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