Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Bear goes bowling during a timeout as the Utah Jazz and the Perth Wildcats play in an exhibition basketball game at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018.
SALT LAKE CITY — As the Utah Jazz prepare to face the defending champion Golden State Warriors at Vivint Arena tonight, there will be a different man inside the iconic Jazz Bear mascot.
Longtime mascot Jon Absey has been fired this week, according to a Deseret News source.
There will be a new face inside the mascot on a trial basis, but not Absey, after a rift with the staff, the source disclosed.