Were you always an extraordinary natural gymnast? He is a bright, energetic, and lovable character who loves to show off his signature dance moves and have fun with fans. Jazz Bear told Fox the Starzz were looking for a mascot. When you do, youll find yourself at the top of your game despite lifes adversaries. I do talk about this to some people. Showcased by his countless hours of community and public service, and his incredible respect and standing as an important citizen of Utah who has won eight Mascot Leadership Awards. Its like a full circle. He told me via text i quit monday. Thats so wrong. Let me guess you also think the cop was in on it or he was a fake cop. At the beginning of the season, the Utah Jazz were second to last. This is funny because I lied on the application and said I was a gymnast at Sacred Heart, but I never was. I'm grateful that the maker of my handmade journals, Utah-based Rustico, became an underwriter. Thats when I realized I got a great guardian angel. Jazz Bear first appeared in 1989 as part of a marketing campaign for the team. : The Utah Jazz mascot, Bear, performs during a time out of their game against the Denver Nuggets during Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2010 NBA Playoffs at EnergySolutions Arena on April 30, 2010 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Honestly, I was never a gymnast. It is not publicly known how much the person who plays Jazz Bear makes. It was so hard on my body because I would feel every stair as that thing went down. He created the idea, costume, and antics that allowed him to be named and honored as the MBA Mascot of the Year five times and the number one voted Most Popular, Most Amazing, Most Significant Mascot across all professional sports and cold sports nationwide two different times. You get to ask the question, who is the real human being behind the mascot costume? Jazz Bear will continue to be one of the most iconic mascots in the NBA, a Jazz spokesperson said in a statement. } Behind every successful husband is an astonished mother-in-law. The exhibition also included Indiana Pacers mascot Boomer, and now-defunct Seattle SuperSonics mascot Squatch. [4] The Bear has suffered many injuries while performing, including tearing his bicep and rupturing a tendon in his calf. I was like, Game on. I worked so hard and I literally got my splits back and I still think I did it better than before. POLAR PLUNGE.Watch the latest video from Jazz Bear (@utahjazzbear). They are those guys that are strictly athletic and work for the crowd a little bit. Im not out of the military yet, but out of basic training and all this stuff. Thankfully for American Gold Gymnastics, theyre the ones who lent their facility for me to learn and train. He was probably best known for sledding down the stairs of Vivint Smart Home Arenas aisles and emptying a seemingly endless supply of Silly String onto opposing fans. People think they have to give someone a bonus to increase performance and yet your experiences know when you have service before yourself, you elevate everyone around you. Subscribe and listen free anywhere you listen to podcasts. Jon Absey has played Jazz Bear since the mascots inception in 1994, but he was fired this week and is no longer with the organization, according to Utah media reports, which cited a rift with Jazz staff. During the Utah Jazz's recent match against the Huston Rockets, the Jazz's mascot, which is creatively named the Jazz Bear, shot silly string at fans during the half-time interval. He said he never feared anything he could control. They let me learn all my skills for what I was doing. There you have it. Rules dont change or anything. Out of respect for his character, which is separate from any employee ever associated with it, we have never discussed his identity. The thing that I was fortunate about is my eyes and I got it from the Phoenix Gorilla. Im like, No, I cant do it. Give us an inside glimpse of when you think that shift occurred and where it occurred from, Im so grateful to be a professional athlete. Out of respect for his character, which is separate from any employee ever associated with it, we have never discussed his identity. He can still do the splits at age 52. There will be many more events and years to come if I have anything to do with it. He also does a lot of charity work. They will watch the old videos of your amazing antics, your bravery, your courageousness, and your borderline brain damage as you climb these 95-foot towers and repel from the ceiling, and hug the lonely fan that needed a little bit of love that day. Or, perhaps it was because he heard how great the winters in Phoenix are. With his 18 years of experience as the Jazz Bear, Jon has entertained millions of fans and brought joy to . They were like the grandparents of the cage. He said, Yes, and he showed up. I remember them telling me that I wont be able to do the splits on that leg anymore. Jazz Bear has been named Mascot of the Year 5 times, and has won 8 Mascot Leadership Awards. I remember when Greg Ostertag came to the team, his son was running up to me and I didnt see him and I kneed him so hard and he went flying. I was just me. Coming from the upper bowl, paint the word picture for everybody. Utah Jazz: Top six matchups to look forward to in 2018-19, Three reasons the Utah Jazz perfectly exemplify what's right with the NBA, Former Middleweight Champ Jermain Taylor Arrested on Domestic Battery Charge, Utah Jazz: Five reasons to look forward to the 2018-19 season, Utah Jazz: One goal for every Jazzman in 2018-19. I remember laying there and I couldnt move because it like took everything out of me to hold that rope. Iron Maiden returns to Utah in 2022 with The Legacy of the Beast tour. How did you come up with that idea? "url":"https://tunein.com/podcasts/Media--Entertainment-Podcasts/Power-Players-with-Dan-Clark-p1464878/", Do you remember Roxanne? We have no respect, no credibility, and please download and share this episode as a simple reminder that Jon Absey is exactly the same in person as he is in that suit. A metaphor for life. I was told they were going in a different direction. That was super kind to you. I named off a bunch and I wanted to make sure that I was doing my own path to success here and hopefully make it successful. Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. Lets go back to sledding the stairs. It was so cool. Thats why I started liking college because theyre out there playing for the love of the game. He didnt try to be anyone else or act like someone else in the suit. Why didnt you take me? Long-time Former Jazz Bear tells all https://t.co/maNuOwLk8Q, Mary Richards (@kslmrichards) January 15, 2020. "Pomp and circumstance were plentiful at Game 5, beginning with . He thought he would retire from the Jazz. I loved always pushing myself because I felt as if the day that I stopped pushing myself and I was not excited to try and do something new was the day that I got to hang it up. Jon Absey wore the Jazz Bear suit well, there were nine of them for almost 25 years. If you ask me, that puts him right up there with the likes of Karl Malone, John Stockton, Donovan Mitchell and Jerry Sloan as one of the most important and influential figures in Jazz history. It was called American Gold Gymnastics. All joking aside, though, Bear is in a class all his own. As such, we decided to add a little bit more levity to our site via Jimbo's unique outlook on the world of Jazz basketball. Build your customFanSided Daily email newsletter with news and analysis onUtah Jazz and all your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and more. Inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2006, Absey. I used one of those when I started in Fargo. A wayward bat flew around the court inside the Vivint Smart Home Arena about an hour before Utah's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, interrupting the pregame shooting routines of the likes of Jazz stars Donovan Mitchell and Ricky Rubio. Absey did handstands on a 23-foot tall ladder, rappeled from the ceiling, and slid down the stairs. "featured":false Being successful isnt about having a big bank account. I was talking to him because we may be trying to do some stuff together and then the same with Rocky out in Denver. Did you conceive the idea of a bear or how did that idea come to fruition? "url":"", If there was ever a conflict between a charity or a sponsor who needed me or something like that, Id always default to the charity. I was just me. Wed be in the front and Id look from the fire truck all the way down Redwood and we were like 30th south and you could see the last vehicle turn in the corner because we had nine buses, like eight fire trucks, all these cop cars, a whole bunch of vehicles in tow. They were like, Jon, we appreciate everything you did, but youre going to kill yourself or a fan in there. I was like, That was fun. It wasnt life-changing for me. He said he never feared anything he could control. Jon shares his inspiring story of taking advantage of opportunities and the challenges of balancing family and work and living a purpose-driven life. And why did they do this recreation, you ask? It was like a playland. "rewind" Were here for you to Its all about me. Email him at rohrbach_ben@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! NBA Mascot: As a mascot, the thing that can keep you out of so many injuries is flexibility. But there will be a new face inside the bear as the team hosts the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors. The true gentleman, and kind, caring human being that you are underneath this costume we affectionately call Jazz Bear. Im going to do it. To me, its a tradition and Im a big tradition guy. It was my training ground. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. Utah Jazz Fall To Oklahoma City Thunder In Turnover-Prone Outing, New Utah Jazz Guard Kris Dunn Is Causing Problems In OKC, Utah Jazz Forward Rudy Gay With Strong Drive Against Oklahoma City Thunder, Utah Jazz Center Walker Kessler Starts Hot In Oklahoma City, Antoine Davis Falls Short In Bid To Break Pete Maravichs Scoring Mark, Ryan Smith: I Want Jazz Fans To Watch Games In Any Format, Notable Moments From The Utah Jazz Season So Far, Everything You Need to Know to Watch the 2022 World Cup. SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - The man most basketball fans knew as the Jazz Bear for more than two decades is talking about his time in the suit, and why he was fired. Following. Thankfully, I got out here because if you go back before that, when I did tryouts out here, they had a three-team tryout with Sacramento, Seattle, and Utah. Information in the story may be outdated Full disclosure: I kind of want to drive like an ape now. He is the original Jazz Bear. Looking back at everything that I did and how I started, I was fortunate to have the beginning of it all like the perfect management. You got other guys that look through the mouth like the Denver Broncos. He jumped through rings of fire, played fireworks-filled pianos and rode Karl Malones motorcycle onto the arena floor. As were coming in, I remember everything in me to hold us and we hit the floor. I appreciate that. Larry H. Miller Charities (PDF). I left my head on and it felt funny. Get informative articles and interesting stories delivered to your inbox weekly. Utah Governor Gary Herbert declared October 10, 2013 as 'Jazz Bear Day' in recognition of his 20th season as the Utah Jazz' mascot . I looked and I saw this kid sliding across the floor and I was like, Hes going to start crying, but he got up, came running back over. She grabbed me by the ear and held me all the way down to the office. The organization declined to discuss the. I remember one time in Spanish class, the teacher didnt show up on time. Your email address will not be published. Jazz Bear is the mascot for the Utah Jazz, a National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Bleacher Creatures Utah Jazz Bear 10" Mascot Plush Figure. Two fans in attendance for Sunday's Game 4 stepped. Honestly, the biggest part that kept me out of so many injuries was my flexibility, which I did almost every day. Fortunately for us, it was all caught on tape. I said, If I dont share it and nobodys trying to copy it, one, I dont know if its good enough to that Im doing this. Dan, I cant thank you enough for having me on. NBA Mascot: The Mascot Bowl is family-friendly, and any family can afford it. "The Jazz Bear will continue to be one of the most iconic mascots in . "They thought I was either going to kill myself or kill a fan," he said. I remember hitting the ground, and just running. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. "subscribe" Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith said his goal for the team's next broadcast deal is to create the easiest viewing experience for fans. Hell have this played to his wife every night as we did with Andy Chudd. For the benefit of our tribe, what were some of the most famous antics that you are still known for no other mascot does? Well be forever grateful. "rss":{ I remember the principal leaning out the window. The Little Giant, anytime I had an idea, they would build me a ladder because theyre the ones who built me the big sled from the upper bowl. Do you see like 180 degrees? We love you. Kay Malone answers the door and my sweet mother says, Hi, Im Ruby Clark. . Incidentally, he was also fired from his very first job as a mascot for the CBA for all those stunts he tried out. only for your personal, non-commercial use. With all due respect to any mascot out there, the person inside the suit makes the character come alive and makes the difference. } When you have an opportunity, never doubt yourself. While Absey won't don the costume, the Jazz confirmed that Jazz Bear will be present when they host the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. Dating back to his first year as the Jazzs mascot in 1994, Bear has given 15,000-plus hours of assistance in the community for more than 300 community organizations, raising over $1 million in the process. As I said, I loved being able to play and have fun and push the envelope, but the charity side of things is what motivated me and what started making the job worthwhile. Utah Governor Gary Herbert declared October 10, 2013 as "Jazz Bear Day" in recognition of his 20th season as the Utah Jazz' mascot. We had a mat there and I crashed into the mat because thats how fast you were going. Jon Absey wore the Jazz Bear suit well, there were nine of them for almost 25 years. I started getting those calls and I never thought people would want me to come out so much because I made such a mess all the time when Id show up. I grew up in avenues in Salt Lake City, Utah, Karl Malone built his house up there and its in my mothers neighborhood, down the street on the same street as my mom. I was like, I got to top this now. The next year I was like, Im going to do a handstand.. "imageUrl":"", }, I remember running up the wall another time and putting two big holes in it, but they were patient with me. Hes like, Come out here. I started a mascot conference because, in my head, I was like, Why is everybody so competitive? because nobody would talk or share ideas. When you think about it, these athletes are playing the kids games. Mark Atkins is the same thing, showing up at the event and wanting to help any way they can. Thank you, Dan. But he said he realized everyone could be just one management change from being let go. "stitcher":{ I was fortunate to go to Sacred Heart High School in East Grand Forks. Youve let so many other people in your life. Why was Jon Absey fired from the Utah Jazz? The actions in this video are performed by professionals or supervised by professionals. Thats where I wanted to be, but then I realized thats a big group. Living here in Utah, I am so proud to have on my show a gentleman by the name of Jon Absey. That was all I was told. I was always so excited. He is such a stud in every way. According to Eric Woodyard of theDeseret News, a source said Absey was relieved of his role after a "rift with the staff. I was like, If we can make this industry stronger and better, itll help all of us. Five guys showed up the first year, and then as time passed, it turned into the conference you had to attend. She got on the phone and came over and it was Kay Malone on the phone. Give us the inside scoop of the Mascot Bowl. I see them all the time through out a game. Its amazing when you put a number of people or that many people together what you can accomplish. SALT LAKE CITY (News4Utah)- The man that has worn the Utah Jazz mascot since 1994 has been fired. Back then, when I first started going, it was only twelve feet and then guys started going out and they were on the ladder. I sled from the lower bowl at the top all the way down. I miss the fans, but honestly, theres a part of me that enjoys being home on the weekends, he said. "url":"https://overcast.fm/itunes1573990224/power-players-with-dan-clark", I remember one time we were over by like $5,600. Everybody could see that Jazz Bear and not just wonder what this amazing human being must be like, but now you get a chance to see the stud muffin hunk of burning love that was inside that suit. Free shipping. [1][3] In 2006, Jazz Bear was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame. When I put on the suit, a lot of fear went away, said Absey. Jazz Bear (@utahjazzbear) on TikTok | 7.6M Likes. According to Eric Woodyard of the Deseret News, a source said Absey was relieved of his role after a rift with the staff.. Now, its such a different culture. TikTok. As a mascot, youll be doing a lot of stunts so you need a great guardian angel to look over you. ], But he said he realized everyone could be just one management change from being let go. But thats the scaredest Ive ever been, he laughed. I took my head off and I looked and I hooked into a cargo strap, which holds about fifteen pounds. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. I chickened out. [1] [2] Since Jazz Bear's introduction, he has performed at over 800 Jazz home games. 201718 Utah Jazz Media Guide. . When I got out here and started doing the job, I felt more blessed that I had a job and a vehicle that could do so much. His name is Jim Johnston. Two, once somebody does it, I want to be able to do something else. I was fortunate to have something that we called the bear crew. I sat there and I was like, It doesnt feel right.. Its so cool to be a prophet in your own country. What a good way to turn off the lights at night and go to sleep. Theyre called the bear crew, and you have to be able to trust them with your life. You need to work hard and challenge yourself. People like you and Andy Chudd were a huge part of that. "buttonConfig":{ Before, I would show up, meet people, and Id go, but I never felt so connected as I do now with people, with children and their parents, because now I get to talk to them and see them. How long does it take you to come back and start talking instead of holding a grudge? I remember hitting the ground, and just running. They were patient enough with me to put up with the stupid stuff I would do. During a timeout, there were a few fans on the floor . "label":"RSS" Describe what happened there. However, on October 19, 2018 it was reported that Jon Absey, who had performed as the Jazz Bear for twenty-four years, had been fired for unknown reasons. Who could replace him as Utah GOP state party chair, In dry West, farmers balk at idling land to save water, 27% of Utah students are chronically absent. It was such a different time. Absey is telling all in a new podcast called "Return to Real.". Hopefully, when I pass, I have a full church and then I know that I was successful. That era changed. Im not a fan of a team that I dont know anybody on it. Hear it this afternoon on @kslnewsradio. The man behind Jazz Bear, the reigning Mascot of the Year, has been fired after almost a quarter-century with the team due to a rift with the organization, according to multiple reports out of Utah. Youre in the Mascot Bowl, Mascot Hall of Fame, and YMCA Hall of Fame. For the record, this mischievous mascot was born quite by accident. The extent of that rift is unclear, according to the Deseret News' Eric Woodyard, but Jon . "link":false, "url":"https://feeds.podetize.com/rss/QVnbs-974Q", "overcast":{ Thankfully, the team let me do that. Why the Phoenix Suns Gorilla arrived in the winter of 1980 isnt nearly as intriguing as what hes done since he arrived. History of Jazz Bear. It was in the Winnipeg Jets Arena. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images). The three years you were a junior in high school, you almost killed the whole faculty? I didnt have to see through a screen. It was one of those things that Brenda would always be like, Jon, dont. Im like, No. The message of this show is a simple reminder, we become the average of the five people we associate with the most, which means you need to find a mascot in your life, but more importantly, if you were a mascot, you must be the same offstage as your onstage. "duration":0, That's because the Utah Jazz fired Absey this week due to reasons that include ongoing disputes with management, according to multiple sources. 3414. The only thing I had is I had a nose that dropped my lower peripheral. The Bear first debuted by. They had said, Dont worry about it. This is back when you could stand on the side of the court and the players would talk to you, I remember one time seeing Adam Keefe up in the stands talking to people. Bears impact cannot be overstated. You have that same reputation. Whoever takes over Friday has big paws to fill. Absey did handstands on a 23-foot tall ladder, rappeled down from the ceiling, and slid down the stairs. A team up in Winnipeg happened to be down scouting. Our dear friend, Thurl Bailey, introduced us, and you were going in for your first of 462 and a half surgeries, if you remember that. "color":"#E33F3E", Reply [deleted] . That somebody is looking out for me. Apparently, Houston Rockets fans don't appreciate silly string in their beer. Its funny because when you talk about people with your stature and what youve done, you dont always hear it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. "sticky":false, "Jazz Bear will continue to be one of the most iconic mascots in the NBA," a Jazz spokesperson said in a statement. I miss it. }, That was my push. He was the best & always willing to drop by with a confetti cannon. I started sledding down the stairs back then and bungee jumping out of the ceiling. Ive dreamt my whole life to do this, to entitlement. Where did you grow up? Not for everybody, but for some. I literally got on my toes and I didnt go. He is the original Jazz Bear. "label":"Stitcher" I was a farm boy in a little town up in East Grand Forks, Minnesota. According to the Provo Daily Herald, there are currently more than 350 active walking groups using theWalking School Bus app across the state. On the same day he was honored, a video of Bear encouraging motorists not to drive like an ape debuted on YouTube. Id always ride in the bucket and Id freeze. When they get done and the stuff that you can hear them talking about, its nice to know that hopefully, they learned something from this. He was introduced to the league on November 4, 1994. fuseboxPlayer(e.detail).setConfig({ When they moved in, my sweet mother, visualize her, the youngest of nine children raised by a single mom on a farm in Southern Idaho. A one-on-one interview with the Utah Jazz Bear about what it takes to create a successful mascot program. From high school, then what happened? }, I grew up with older brothers and sisters and how much they beat me up helped. Mom, look. We admire you. window.addEventListener('loadFuseboxPlayer', function(e) { When I was done, I was worried that I wouldnt have that vehicle and I wouldnt be able to do charity work as I did before. I was there for a number of years and then came back to school in Moorhead, Minnesota, at the Moorhead State, and then I joined the military to help pay for college. I remember Luke Larson, my assistant, I love him. "url":"", }); Jon Absey, the original Utah Jazz Bear, shares his journey from farm boy to becoming a world-class mascot. We lived down the street and I wanted to welcome you to the neighborhood. To your point, Kay Malone invites my mother in, gives her a tour of her brand-new house, and takes her on a tour of the entire room that Karl built with plexiglass cases of every single member of the dream team with autographs, shoes, jersey, shorts, everything. It was fun to do an interview with the original Utah Jazz Bear, Jon Absey. I knew that I needed to give back to show my gratitude. When I hit Winnipeg, I remember I rappelled in and straddled two beams, and when Thunderstruck started, I would jump in the air, put my feet together, and zip in quick on a rope, and I got up there late. Jon Absey, who played Jazz Bear for almost a quarter-century, has reportedly been fired by the Utah Jazz. Utah Jazz '17-18 review: Donovan Mitchell. Thats what youve always been able to do. Jon Absey wore the Jazz Bear suit well, there were nine of them for almost 25 years. Being named Professional Mascot of the Year five times across all professional sports and being inducted into the Professional Mascot Hall of Fame gives us an inside glimpse into the insane creativity and intense courage required to be a world-class mascot and crazy entertainer. God bless their souls, Stephen and Minnie, they were this older couple that would always come down to the cage and bring Luke and me drinks and cookies. There were crazy moments. We always say, A prophet is not a prophet if a man is not a prophet in his own country, but you are. I remember this little girl was over by the candy bar section and she grabbed a candy bar and she looked up at the two kids that were with her and shes like, Am I done? Im like, No, you got way more money to spend, because we always try and give the kids each $100. Until October 2018. He needs all the help he can get, but Jon doesnt need any help. That is until the children. The Laybournes even roped in a celebrity: Bear, the mascot of the Utah Jazz. He has been inducted into the YMCA Hall of Fame, the Utah Summer Games Hall of Fame, and the Mascot Hall of Fame. We slid all the way across the cement. Give me more money? As I teach in my world of culture creation and leadership and sales, if you come from money, you will leave for money. Its humbling to know that these guys will take time out of their careers, days, and years to go out and sweat like crazy and get hurt for a charity they dont even do anything with. Spencer Lund January 14, 2014. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. [1][2] Since Jazz Bear's introduction, he has performed at over 800 Jazz home games. I had a dancer from the Winnipeg Thunder that was not strapped in or anything was holding onto me, and Im holding onto her. The Bear has suffered many injuries while performing, including tearing his bicep and rupturing a tendon in his calf. No. The Jazz Bear has been their mascot since 1994 and Jon Absey has been behind the costume since the beginning. If it wasnt for his trust in letting me be the bear, as he said, Listen, Im going to give you enough rope to hang yourself. Did you learn that from your parents? Absey counted up 150 stitches or staples, 10 surgeries, and 27 torn ligaments or muscles over time. You said something very intriguing about the difference between professional athletes nowadays and the days of old. Teaches the inside look of a head of a mascot. They thought I was either going to kill myself or kill a fan, he said. Absey worked as the mascot for 24 years, but with the beginning of the 2018-2019 season he has been let go. A farm boy, Absey picked up that first mascot job at Morehouse State College for $25. Absey counted up 150 stitches or staples, 10 surgeries, and 27 torn ligaments or muscles over time. That was all I was told," Absey said. We offer the Bleacher Creatures Utah Jazz Bear Mascot 8" Kuricha Sitting Plush for $22.99 with free shipping available. I turned all those down and this is where the team supported me.
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