Lightning Thunderbug

Lightning Fire Mascot Performer After Fight With Fan Makes YouTube

Published January 26, 2012

Kelly Frank, the woman who served as the Lightning’s ThunderBug mascot, “has been fired” after spraying a Bruins fan with Silly String at a Jan. 17 game, according to Joe Smith of the TAMPA BAY TIMES. The fan “took offense and pushed ThunderBug down,” and “thousands saw it on YouTube.” Frank “wasn't a full-time employee of the team but was the primary performer as ThunderBug the past few seasons.” The Lightning said that the Silly String “wasn't the only reason for the mascot change but didn't want to comment further on ThunderBug's actions.” Lightning Exec VP/Communications Bill Wickett said, "We're keeping this internal." Frank was “dismissed as the Tampa Bay Rays' mascot Raymond at the end of the 2008 season” (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 1/26).

DUNK INSURANCE: YAHOO SPORTS’ Cameron Smith noted the Pacers mascot Boomer last Friday “gained more notoriety than he bargained for by obliterating the backboard at an Indiana high school on the first dunk of one of his trademark halftime shows.” Members of the Pacers front office then traveled to the Hancock County school “to meet with school officials and immediately offered to replace the school's broken backboard.” The team also “refunded Boomer's appearance fee and said that the two sides would continue working together in good faith” (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 1/25).