Let it never be said that the Utah Jazzs mascot, Jazz Bear, rests on his furry laurels. Email him at rohrbach_ben@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! I was like, I got to get a bigger ladder. Thats when we pulled out the 25-footer. 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. { Id always ride in the bucket and Id freeze. We honor you. It was just silly string. Before, he said, he hid under a mask. Enter a Melbet promo code and get a generous bonus, An Insight into Coupons and a Secret Bonus, Organic Hacks to Tweak Audio Recording for Videos Production, Bring Back Life to Your Graphic Images- Used Best Graphic Design Software, New Google Update and Future of Interstitial Ads. Follow the action on NBA scores, schedules, stats, news, Team and Player news. Fortunately for us, it was all caught on tape. Jon Absey, who played Jazz Bear for almost a quarter-century, has reportedly been fired by the Utah Jazz. Rules dont change or anything. 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. Grant Harrison trusted me so much. 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. Utah Jazz; 2022-23 Utah Jazz season: Conference: Western: Division: Northwest: Founded: 1974: History: New Orleans Jazz 1974-1979 Utah Jazz 1979-present: Arena: Vivint Arena: Location: . 9 Why was Jon Absey fired from the Utah Jazz? Im going to do it. To me, its a tradition and Im a big tradition guy. That era changed. You have that same reputation. I miss the fans, but honestly, theres a part of me that enjoys being home on the weekends, he said. Ben Rohrbach is a writer for Yahoo Sports. There are other guys that can look through their eyes, but theyre screened almost like your microphone, just those little holes, and then they have painted in their eyes. Jazz Bear is the mascot for the Utah Jazz, a National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Game in and game out, year in and year out, unbelievable. Why was Jon Absey fired from the Utah Jazz? "That was scary," Mitchell said after Utah's 106-102 victory . Utah Governor Gary Herbert declared October 10, 2013 as 'Jazz Bear Day' in recognition of his 20th season as the Utah Jazz' mascot . Log in. Who is this human being who comes up with extraordinary ideas and creative ways to get the audience riled up and entertained, especially when there are timeouts and theres nothing worth watching on the field, which is the case of all the teams who have losing records? Over time, the job took a toll. Even though Ive been gone for a while, Im still in touch with everybody. Here's what lawmakers have directed schools to do. "label":"TuneIn" I felt like I needed to give back. He can still do the splits at age 52. Jazz Bear of the Utah Jazz poses for a portrait during media day at vivint.SmartHome Arena on September 26, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. We appreciate the fans. No, that wouldve been fun to radar that. 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. "label":"Spotify" (Getty Images) 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. I was like, Nothing is going to stop me., One time, this big snow storm was happening, Santa Claus, I cant say his name, he always showed up and ride in the bucket with me. 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. "label":"Apple Podcasts" Thankfully for American Gold Gymnastics, theyre the ones who lent their facility for me to learn and train. Enough said. "share", Youre so well-respected, but how can you take it to the next level and how can we support you? Will Utah remove income tax restrictions, cut sales tax on food? It was like, Im going to do a one-armed handstand. The one-armed handstand happened and nobody copied it. Living here in Utah, it seemed like anytime there was a significant opportunity to touch kids lives or to raise money for a novel charity, the Jazz Bear would show up. I thought it would be fun. After spraying two Rockets fans with silly string in between quarters of a game last week, one of the fans reacted by dumping . Thankfully, the team let me do that. "google":{ Ive been to a number of games where the stars arent playing. i was today years old when i found out i posted the 2nd most viewed tiktok in the nfl this season Jon Absey wore the Jazz Bear suit well, there were nine of them for almost 25 years. 5 Rocky the Mountain Lion Denver Nuggets. What happened is sports teams started glorifying these guys so much and paying them such big amounts of money, and then what they did was they put a bigger wedge between the fans and the players. One thing led to another, and he was asked to try out to be the Jazz mascot in the early 1990s. 201718 Utah Jazz Media Guide. That kid took a knee. But thats the scaredest Ive ever been, he laughed. When I left, I had nine guys that worked with me on game night. Frank Zang, the spokesperson for the Utah Jazz, did not tell News4Utah why he was let go and said the man's identity has never been released, out of respect for the character. There were a number of times when he would show me how to throw a full-off on a tramp. And why did they do this recreation, you ask? I couldnt believe they allowed it. Were here for you to Its all about me. There are three types of mascots. I was like, Thatd be great, because I was a poor college kid making $25 a game. I had a dancer from the Winnipeg Thunder that was not strapped in or anything was holding onto me, and Im holding onto her. I remember one time in Spanish class, the teacher didnt show up on time. Thats the players we had back then. Sign up today for the KSL Sports newsletter. They get to get out there and pull it off. It was in the Winnipeg Jets Arena. 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. Karene Reid Shares How His Family Taught Him Love, Sacrifice, Hard Work, Education And Loyalty, Micah Bernard Dives Into His Journey To Playing Football At The University Of Utah And What It Takes To Be Successful, Devaughn Vele Shares What Inspired Him To Serve A Church Mission And Return To Walk-On As An Eventual Football Star At The University Of Utah, Lander Barton Discusses The Transition From High School Athlete To Starting As A True Freshman In College, Braeden Daniels Shares How Hes Grown Both As A Football Player And A Person Since First Stepping Foot On Campus As A Freshman, Cole Bishop Shares Why He Committed To Playing At Utah Before Stepping Foot On Campus, Junior Tafuna Shares How His Polynesian Family Influence Helped Him Become An Award-Winning Defensive Lineman On And Off The Football Field, Solomon Enis Shares How His Father Helped Guide Him To Success By Focusing On His Mindset And Preparation Both On And Off The Field, RJ Hubert Shares How His Competitive Mindset Helps Him Succeed Both On And Off The Field, Dalton Kincaid Dives Into Who He Is Off The Football Field. I was getting it through Karl Malone, John Stockton, all those guys would write me checks and they would cover it. When I would submit my stuff, Luke would always say, Why do you keep showing them the stuff youre doing? I know this pushed me and Im glad I did it because it worked. Theyre there every game and they put a lot of effort and energy into making the bear what it was. In 96, I started the conference. Absey is telling all in a new podcast called Return to Real. Its the first time hes spoken about his time in the costume since his firing. Weve had Andy Chudd describe what the money is used for the other part of the Job Absey charitable conglomerate, but talk to us about the origins of the Mascot Bowl. When I put on the suit, a lot of fear went away, said Absey. It was hard to get money because I never liked talking to people about who I was. I looked over at Craig Bolerjack and Im like, Im doing it again. I ran back up the slide. "color":"#E33F3E", The Utah Jazz have an iconic mascot. A farm boy, Absey picked up that first mascot job at Morehouse State College for $25. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. 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. He said he never feared anything he could control. The Bear has suffered many injuries while performing, including tearing his bicep and rupturing a tendon in his calf." We appreciate the blood, sweat, and tears that have gone into being the. They taught me to be a little tough. You werent above anybody because you got a bigger paycheck. We love you. I wanted to get off the farm and see what the big city was. Its so fun because we used high schools and we like to have kids get involved. The extent of that rift is unclear, according to the Deseret News' Eric Woodyard, but Jon . He needs all the help he can get, but Jon doesnt need any help. Do not attempt. Why the mascot for the Utah Jazz is a bear.and why is name is simply just "Bear".still baffles me. That's because the Utah Jazz fired Absey this week due to reasons that include ongoing disputes with management, according to multiple sources. I just hope that when Im done, I can be happy knowing that maybe I did change the lives of some children through the charity work that weve done.. "Pomp and circumstance were plentiful at Game 5, beginning with . To qualify, kids downloadedUDOTs Walking School Bus app, then used it to log each completed walk or bike ride to school. I remember them telling me that I wont be able to do the splits on that leg anymore. That was all I was told," Absey said. Sad to hear the man inside the Bear suit is moving on. But one inebriated Rockets fan took the feud to the next level by dumping his beer on the Utah Bear. Everyone wish @utahjazzbear a very happy birthday pic.twitter.com/GptYRTuIlW. The Bear first debuted by. Not for everybody, but for some. Do you have this fraternity or do you keep in touch with one another as mascots off-season? Information in the story may be outdated THE UTAH JAZZ MASOT MUST BE STOPPED 389,289 views Feb 20, 2018 3K Dislike Share Shots Up 3.86K subscribers NBA Mascots Funny Moments | NBA Mascots Savage Moments | NBA mascots | | Savage NBA. But he said he realized everyone could be just one management change from being let go. The Utah Jazz have fired Jon Absey, who portrayed the teams Jazz Bear mascot for 24 years. The actions in this video are performed by professionals or supervised by professionals. If I look back over the years of being Bear, Im definitely grateful for having a job like this, as well as blessed that Im able to take a character and give back to the community and the fans who have given so much to us, Absey said in that interview. Coming from the upper bowl, paint the word picture for everybody. Youre probably going to die if you do that. I trusted those guys. 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. I almost died four times. The mascot, named Jazz Bear, showed off his talents on the water, doing some impressive waterskiing and wakeboarding in full costume, all to the bangin' lyrics from good ol' Alan himself. I remember running up the wall another time and putting two big holes in it, but they were patient with me. Tell us about your philanthropic efforts. It was a group effort to get the character going. "The Jazz Bear will continue to be one of the most iconic mascots in . Being successful isnt about having a big bank account. He is such a stud in every way. He also does a lot of charity work and he can interact with the kids as himself now. Like there are three different types of mascots, there are a whole bunch of different types of vision when it comes to a head. Being a mascot was great. 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. I turned all those down and this is where the team supported me. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images). I love seeing them be humbled by these kids. The Phillie Phanatic is one and its not a cheap suit, but thats technically where it goes because it limits your ability a lot. I was fortunate to have something that we called the bear crew. Do you see like 180 degrees? For You. I chickened out. In Utah, the Bountiful High Braves, a fictitious Native mascot, changed in April 2021 to the Redhawks after advocating efforts from Native American activists, including James Singer, a Salt Lake . We do not discuss individual personnel matters.. I wouldnt be able to call you and say, Dan, how are you doing? You reply back. "Jazz Bear will continue to be one of the most iconic mascots in the NBA," a Jazz spokesperson said in a statement. Brenda Hoskins is one of Mark Eatons great friends. Jazz Bear told Fox the Starzz were looking for a mascot. When I would get surgery because I hurt myself, theyd always say like, Its going to be hard to come back. "url":"https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1573990224", SALT LAKE CITY 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. NBA Mascot: The Mascot Bowl is family-friendly, and any family can afford it. "imageUrl":"", 506.6K Followers. A Utah Icon The Jazz Bear has been something of a cult icon in Utah for decades, leaving many Utah Jazz fans stunned. How to Market Your Business with Webinars? You must be the same person in your house as you are outside of your house, the same person on the field or on the court as you are off the court and vice versa. 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. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. I was told they were going in a different direction. You always had time for everybody. The other one was a brown bear because its native to the mountains. I appreciate that. Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith said his goal for the team's next broadcast deal is to create the easiest viewing experience for fans. Because Alan's actually playing a show at the Jazz's arena, Vivint Arena. We need to do something for the underserved.. When they get married and have children, theyll pass it on to say, We need to get involved in a charity. SALT LAKE CITY, Utah The Utah Jazz Bear got revenge on a Houston Rockets fan who poured beer on the mascot's head during a game. Back then, when I first started going, it was only twelve feet and then guys started going out and they were on the ladder. Welcome to #nbaallstar #utah. AboutPressCopyrightContact. For the benefit of our tribe, what were some of the most famous antics that you are still known for no other mascot does? Jazz Bear (@utahjazzbear) on TikTok | 7.6M Likes. 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. That was super kind to you. SALT LAKE CITY (AP) It took a bear Jazz Bear to catch a bat and leave the high-flying hijinks to the NBA players. Now, its such a different culture. The Jazz Bear has been their mascot since 1994 and Jon Absey has been behind the costume since the beginning. The man behind Jazz Bear has been fired after a reported rift with the Utah Jazz. You got other guys that look through the mouth like the Denver Broncos. SportsPulse: Jeff Zillgitt and Trysta Krick put their prediction hats on for some bold takes as the NBA season gets set to begin. I took my head off and I looked and I hooked into a cargo strap, which holds about fifteen pounds. 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. Tom Nissalke was the commissioner up there for the NBL back in the day. But then he got on a bull at the Days of 47 Rodeo. He said, Yes, and he showed up. When theyre involved, they get to see all the planning and stuff come together. I sat there and I was like, It doesnt feel right.. 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. The first-round series between the Clippers and Jazz has been a back-and-forth battle so far, but the Jazz mascot just kicked it up a notch. Buster, the team's first-ever mascot, will wear uniform #1. Its funny because when you talk about people with your stature and what youve done, you dont always hear it. She grabbed another one and she goes to me, Am I done now?. Grand Harrison called me a couple of weeks after. By now, most of you should be aware of Utah's incongruent (at least to Utah) mascot, the Jazz Bear, who once antagonized an inebriated Rockets fan enough to get . Antoine Davis finished four points shy of surpassing Pete Maravich as the NCAA career scoring leader, scoring 22 vs. Youngstown State. "style":"regular", I would love to see it go back to where a fan could get an autograph or talk to a player. . Utah Jazz mascot Jazz Bear excites the crowd during a break in play between the Utah Jazz and Sacramento Kings on March 13, 2016 at Sleep Train Arena. }, 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. Shes just a good old girl. Larry H. Miller Charities (PDF). The Utah Jazz have fired Jon Absey, who portrayed the team's Jazz Bear mascot for 24 years. Bear finishes the performance with a front flip dunk over a smiling Trump. "buttonConfig":{ How old were you when you joined the military? A couple of months later, theyre the ones who get to take these kids Christmas shopping. Lets pull the curtain. As a mascot, youll be doing a lot of stunts so you need a great guardian angel to look over you. The Bear's identity is safe at least for now. Thank you, Dan. Who is the individual when you go to a sporting event and you see this mascot perform, engage the audience, and cheer on that home crowd to give us the home field or home court advantage? All rights reserved. We got to go.. That was my push. How do you navigate yourself through this little teeny window? Why the Phoenix Suns Gorilla arrived in the winter of 1980 isnt nearly as intriguing as what hes done since he arrived. Why the mascot for the Utah Jazz is a bear.and why is name is simply just "Bear".still baffles me. To your point, Karl and Kay loved the neighborhood. For his part, Absey told multiple local television outlets that he was not fired, but quit. Now he has much more time with his wife and three daughters. It was something fun to do. I do want to clarify one thing. Absey then worked more than 800 home games as the Jazz Bear. 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. I was so thankful that I didnt go. The first time in my life that I ever got a chance to go into the locker room and watch these guys put on their suits, describe to us how you can see through with the head and, in that process, keep your balance and have situation situational awareness, so you dont fall over or how do you climb a ladder? My only thought was, Im not letting her die. I dont care what happens to me because of the stupid decision that we decided because were doing Phantom of the Opera. Dozens of students were later chosen as winners for the Bear walk. Honestly, how do I want to be remembered? Absey worked as the mascot for 24 years, but with the beginning of the 2018-2019 season he has been let go. The 50-year-old Absey won the 2017-18 Mascot of the Year award as Jazz Bear, marking the fifth time he garnered the honor in his career. In the hundreds of games since, he has only increased the intensity of his stuntswhether he's flying down the concourse steps on a plastic sled or doing a handstand on top of a 20-foot ladder at. It twists down on your wrist. He jumped through rings of fire, played fireworks-filled pianos and rode Karl Malones motorcycle onto the arena floor. Jazz Bear is dead, long live Jazz Bear. Incidentally, he was also fired from his very first job as a mascot for the CBA for all those stunts he tried out. Have a tip? Mom, look. Thats what made you the Mascot of the Year five times and the mascot forever more. Absey did handstands on a 23-foot tall ladder, rappeled down from the ceiling, and slid down the stairs. The Information Display and Entertainment Associated also honored the Jazz and Bear for the best in-arena mascot video in professional sports, where he engaged in a car derby with the Phoenix Suns Gorilla. Teaches the inside look of a head of a mascot. How long does it take us to respond once we go into the gym and push ourselves, tear down our muscles, and work on our cardio? On Monday afternoon, Bear was officially recognized (once again) as the best in the business of making hoops fans in-arena experience a great one. Thats where I wanted to be, but then I realized thats a big group. A farm boy, Absey picked up that first mascot job at Morehouse State College for $25. In a 2010 interview with the Deseret News, Absey said as a result of his performances he has bone spurs in both ankles, broke his big toe, tore his right calf, blew out his right knee, tore both hamstrings, had hernia and back surgeries, ripped tendons in two fingers, blew out both bursa sacs and required stitches. They thought I was either going to kill myself or kill a fan, he said. Do you remember Roxanne? Although hes now a three-time NBA MOTY and was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame back in 2006, those numbers tell the tale of what Jazz Bear is all about just as much as all the 20-foot ladders hes climbed or trampoline dunks hes thrown down. He is the original Jazz Bear. "overcast":{ This year, the Utes will face Penn State. Were you always an extraordinary natural gymnast? Going back to what you were talking about with your mom, I remember back when we would be shopping, and sometimes, wed always go over. I remember Stephen and Minnie going out one night and they had asked Greg Foster if hed wanted to come over for dinner. "rewind" Its about knowing that what youre doing is on the right path. Thank you. The Jazz Bear unmasked Incidentally, he was also fired from his very first job as a mascot for the CBA for all those stunts he tried out. We had a mat there and I crashed into the mat because thats how fast you were going. NBA Mascot: When sports teams started glorifying their players, they put a bigger wedge between the fans and the players. minutes. I appreciate that. We wanted our own identity. I remember the principal leaning out the window. It was nice that mascots around the country would support me. I appreciate those kind words and for you letting me come on. Her name was Sister Basil, and I love her. Of course, this is just one of a litany of community efforts Bear is involved in. Im zipping in with one hand wrapped in what was called the lanyard that would slide on the cable. Lets go all the way back. Were not talking a little six-foot. Talk to us about your exercise program. }); Jon Absey, the original Utah Jazz Bear, shares his journey from farm boy to becoming a world-class mascot. "They thought I was either going to kill myself or kill a fan," he said. $26.99. (#utahjazz Bear lives on w/new mystery person in the suit) pic.twitter.com/4jlF6ftx1y. That was great. 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. I remember hitting the ground, and just running. I just did the stuff that everybody thinks about doing, but cant, he said. Following. 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. "position":"bottom", 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. "They thought I was either going to kill myself or. 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. Abseys full conversation with Return to Real host Neil Anderson is available now. He didnt try to be anyone else or act like someone else in the suit. Its so cool to be a prophet in your own country. You are always so generous and went out of your way. 15-year-old boy dies after being found in crashed car with gunshot wounds, Do not 'push a slower friend down' if you encounter a bear, National Park Service warns, Police say man killed by Farmington officers had gun; victim's mom filed suit over other traffic stop, Suspect in Dylan Rounds disappearance charged with murder, Police investigating serious crash on I-215 offramp, Man struck, killed by FrontRunner in Clearfield, Trapped fox 'severely' injures dog in Draper, prompts warning from city, 14-year-old uses social media to track down man accused of robbing him, Northern Utah man faces 30 felonies in child pornography case. Give us a chance. I was like, Okay.. It wasnt for a number of years later that the boss or Marcy came in and shes like, I found out that Sacred Heart doesnt have a gymnastics team. What I would do is I would go in and I would watch what other coaches were doing. "We wont disclose his identity" says the boss of Jon Asbey, the identity of the Utah Jazz Bear . Dec 16, 2013, 05:10 PM EST. "subscribe" Jan 12, 2012, 10:55 AM EST. The engaging and fun-loving bear is the cousin to the Utah Jazz mascot Jazz Bear and will be introduced to fans during the second timeout of the first quarter at the Lifetime Activities Center-Bruin Arena on the Salt Lake Community College Taylorsville Campus. 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. 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. Mascot Bowl started strictly because I always wanted to do something that was very family-friendly and that any family could afford. Where did you grow up? The Mascot Assistant represents the Utah Jazz and the Utah Jazz Bear brand and must represent oneself in a professional manner as they interact with Jazz fans in the arena and community. Utah Jazz '17-18 review: Donovan Mitchell. Youre in the Mascot Bowl, Mascot Hall of Fame, and YMCA Hall of Fame. Whoever takes over Friday has big paws to fill. But thats the scaredest Ive ever been, he laughed. Jazz Bear has been named Mascot of the Year 5 times, and has won 8 Mascot Leadership Awards. Why didnt you take me? 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. "apple":{ Hes in the Mascot Hall of Fame, but more importantly, hes a husband, a father, and a philanthropist. I remember Luke Larson, my assistant, I love him. Put yourself out there and take your shot. I was always so excited. Athletes should be approachable. 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. This answer is: How tall was the ladder? 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. }); Thats when I realized I got a great guardian angel. "title":"Jon Absey shares his journey to become an NBA mascot as the original Utah Jazz Bear", Well be forever grateful. Jon Absey wore the Jazz Bear suit well, there were nine of them for almost 25 years. Thank you, everybody. I wrapped my hand in, we do the practice, but I did it off a ladder that was probably fourteen feet. Duke Snider, Willie Mays, and Mickey Mantle all made $150,000 a year, and they were the top-paid players.