Official seeks $123000 after university mascot jumps on him

Tempe, Ariz., Councilman David Schapira has filed a Notice of Claim against the Arizona State University after mascot Sparky reinjured his surgically repaired back. Sparky made a decision to photobomb an ASU fan who was standing near the field by jumping on his back – but the fan happened to be recovering from back surgery.

The fan, Tempe councilman David Schapira, suffered another major back injury that will require six months to heal.

He posted a series of photographs on Twitter that appeared to show the mishap as it unfolded.

Mr Schapira wrote that his friends, including Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell, quickly intervened to get the mascot off the ailing councilman.

Problem is… Schapira says he felt a pop in his back – and had to be transported to a hospital as a result of the injuries.

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

A Tempe city council member is suing Arizona State University after the school’s mascot aggravated a back injury.

A spokesperson for ASU told the Arizona Republic … To cover the costs of his medical care, Schapira filed a claim against ASU seeking more than $100,000.

The Sun Devils later apologized for Sparky’s “excessive exuberance”, but by then Schapira had already spent four days in the hospital. “University officials have been in regular contact with Councilman Schapira since the incident and we have offered our fullest assistance and cooperation in getting his bills paid and we wish him a speedy recovery”.