Chasing 'Champ': Dallas Mascot Beloved By Luka Doncic
DALLAS - I chased "Champ," the lovable Dallas Mavericks mascot, for a behind-the-scenes look into an eventful basketball night at the American Airlines Center that included a halftime wedding, hundreds of high-fives and an ode to China's surveillance balloons.
... Just a normal day at the office for the horse covered in blue fur.
A maverick is an unbranded calf. Which begs the question ... Why is the Mavericks' mascot a horse?
"I’m not sure, but I’m sure glad they chose me," wrote Champ in an exclusive interview.
"Wrote''? Why "wrote''? The beauty of mascots exist in the joy and even mystery they offer without uttering a word. So, Champ agreed to an interview, but in writing, to get to know him better. Possibly, it is Champ's spontaneous, fearless and independent personality that fits with the Maverick name.
The energy was palpable at the AAC for Mavs star Luka Doncic and newly-acquired standout Kyrie Irving's first game together in Dallas. The anticipation of the rowdy crowd in downtown Dallas was almost playoff-like as it welcomed Irving to town.
And Champ brought peak-playoff readiness as well. When the players took a timeout, it was Champ's time to shine.
Champ had mischief in his large eyes as his white fluffy tail bounded across the court ... I followed, noticing he had a large balloon and string attached to his horse-arm (leg? hoof?) ...
What did it mean?
He galloped to the Minnesota Timberwolves bench and leaned into the huddle with an outstretched arm (leg? hoof?) seemingly stealing pertinent information about the visitors. At first his presence confused the court-side fans (Dallas Cowboys exec Charlotte Jones being one of them).
But then, even the opposing players let out a chuckle as they deciphered his schtick was a play on timely world news, a nod to Chinese surveillance balloons.
Smiles erupted as phones were pulled out to document the gimmick. Obviously, collecting laughs is part of the gig. And what else?
"(Every game my goal is) to keep from knocking over any fans’ food or beverage," Champ wrote. "Oh and to not get in trouble by security … Both equally important."
Goals, achieved.
Champ's busy night continued with a wedding at halftime. A year ago, this same couple got engaged at the AAC. The couple then decided to tie the knot on the court in front of the sold-out crowd on the eve of Valentine's Day.
Champ - no jokes this time - awarded the bride and groom a check to go toward their honeymoon.
Where Champ goes, smiles follow. Champ dances, he pretends to pick his large horse-nose, he leads cheers for the "Kiss-Cam,'' and he shoots countless t-shirts into the crowd.
The Dallas players enjoy him too, especially Doncic, who often engages with Champ.
"When Luka first got to the Mavs, I remember him pulling my tail and getting a big laugh," wrote Champ. "Since he messes with me all the time, I’d say not only is he a superstar, but he’s a fun guy to be around."
What makes the anthropomorphic Champ different from some of his ilk is his impressive basketball skills. Champ might not be one of the favorites to win the NBA MVP like Doncic, but he can make a backwards half-court shot, and does so almost every game night. Perhaps that is why he wears a basketball jersey over his horse torso. (Horse-so?)
Champ is a big part of Dallas' history, including being involved in the hoisting of the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy in 2011. But it's the little things, too - Champ feeds from the energy of the crowd and says hot dogs and popcorn are also his favorite part of game day.
Champ, he's just like us!
I'm still not sure why the Mavericks mascot is a horse - the late founder and owner Don Carter's trademark white cowboy hat maybe makes for a fitting pairing - but he's glad to be chosen ... and Mavs fans are glad to be entertained.
