Man sues Pacers mascot, alleging on-court tackle

INDIANAPOLIS – A man is suing the Indiana Pacers and the performer who portrays its feline mascot, alleging that the 6-foot-tall performer tackled him during a free-throw-shooting contest, leaving him with permanent injuries.\nNathaniel Jackson, who lives in northern Indiana’s Adams County, alleges in his lawsuit that as he was entering Conseco Fieldhouse for the Pacers’ March 11, 2005, game against Golden State, he was asked to take part in a free-throw-shooting contest during a timeout.\nJackson, who is in his mid-20s, initially declined, saying he was recovering from back surgery but was assured that “there would be no reason for concern or injury,” according to the lawsuit, which was filed March 2 in Marion Superior Court.\nAfter taking part in the free-throw contest, the lawsuit states that Jackson began to leave the basketball court but was tackled from behind by the team’s mascot, “Boomer,” a 6-foot-tall blue cat with gold whiskers.\nThe employee who knew about Jackson’s back surgery immediately told the mascot about the surgery, and Boomer responded by kicking at Jackson’s legs, the lawsuit alleges.\nThe complaint names the Pacers organization, Conseco Fieldhouse and the unidentified performer who portrays Boomer and accuses them of negligence.\nJackson’s lawsuit seeks compensation for his medical bills, lost income, pain, suffering and “permanent injuries” that are not detailed in the complaint.\nIn a statement released Thursday, the Pacers declined comment, saying that team officials had not reviewed the lawsuit.\n“We have just received word about the filing of this lawsuit. Until we can review the details and speak with all parties concerned, we will withhold comment,” the statement said.\nJackson’s lawyers declined comment on his behalf, saying they would prefer to allow the lawsuit stand for itself.