NBA Rumors: Pelicans to re-design mascot to make him less scary

Nov 2, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans mascot Pierre the Pelican during the first quarter of a game against the Charlotte Bobcats at New Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

It appears Pierre the Pelican as we know him is dead.

The frighting New Orleans Pelicans mascot debuted earlier this season and initial fan reaction was, well, terror. Looking like a creature that would haunt your nightmares, the Pelicans have taken in massive fan backlash and plan to re-design the head of the mascot to make him look ‘less scary’.

Per Grantland’s Zach Lowe:

"Real mascot news: Hearing Pellies are re-designing Pierre’s head to make him “less scary,” hopefully by All-Star weekend in New Orleans. (To be clear: that tweet is not a joke. They are actually re-designing Pierre’s head)."

As silly as that sounds, it’s actually needed.

The mascot’s fear inducing look became a hot topic on social media and fans/basketball bloggers all mocked the bird, but I can’t imagine being a seven year old at a Pelicans game when this freaky looking thing came strolling your way.

I cried as a five-year-old at Disneyland when Mickey Mouse showed up. Had I see this? I’d probably be dead of a heart attack.

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