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A man who worked as Denver Nuggets’ mascot, Rocky the Mountain Lion, for several seasons, sues Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE), NBA franchise’s ownership group.
Drake Solomon accuses his former employer of discrimination against disability and an illegal severance offering.
The trial of wrongful termination claims that Solomon was rejected after he underwent a double hip replacement procedure.
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Denver Nuggets -Mascot Rocky celebrates a win over La Clippers after Game 7 in the first round of 2025 NBA final play in the Ball Arena in Denver, Colo., May 3, 2025. (Ron Chenoy/Imag images)
Solomon suggested that he take a stand to help protect other employees. Solomon maintains the offer he received was illegal and other employees were expanded after the 2023 passage by Colorado’s Powr Law (Protection of Opportunities and Workers’ Rights).
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Solomon remembered his severance offering was $ 20,000. He was also asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement that his lawyers claimed violated the provisions of the POWR Act.
Solomon rejected the deal.
“It seemed like outlined to me,” he explained. “I wouldn’t sign it.”
Rocky the Mountain Lion of Denver Nuggets during a game against Boston Celtics 7 March 2024 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colo. (Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
The nugget won the franchise’s first NBA title ever in 2023, the same year Solomon says he began to experience health problems. A bone state inhibited Solomon’s ability to perform tasks associated with being a mascot for a professional sports team.
Rocky the Mountain Lion of Denver Nuggets hypes up the crowd before a game against the Golden State Warriors December 3, 2024 in the Ball Arena in Denver, Colo. (Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
Solomon said he informed his supervisors of his condition. The nuggets allegedly began to seek his compensation for learning that he eventually had to undergo an operation. Solomon argued that the alleged actions were effectively a vote with confidence in his overall health.
“It came to a point where I was in court and shot half a court shot with tears dripping down my face,” Solomon told CBS Colorado. “It’s hard to think of these times. I really wanted to bring the same energy.”
Solomon claimed that a path to resume his duties was hindered after he had operated, which he said he felt like he had been deceived.
“For it to end this way, it feels like betrayal,” Solomon said. “We were so loyal to them.”
Solomon’s father appeared as nuggets -mascot for more than three decades before him.
“I was on the field at 2 weeks old,” Solomon said.
Pakinomist Digital contacted Kroenke Sports & Entertainment for Comment, but did not immediately receive an answer.
