Allegations against Gritty unfounded, according to Philly police

Andrew G. Zuber
Updated ·1 min read
LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND - SEPTEMBER 30: Mascot Gritty takes a photo with fans during the NHL Global Series Challenge Switzerland 2019 match between Philadelphia Flyers and Lausanne HC at Vaudoise Arena on September 30, 2019 in Lausanne, Switzerland. (Photo by Robert Hradil/NHLI via Getty Images)
You can continue to take photos with Gritty without fear of being assaulted... kinda. (Photo by Robert Hradil/NHLI via Getty Images)

Philadelphia police announced on Monday that everyone’s favourite gigantic orange monster has had his name cleared of all accusations of physical assault.

Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty was initially accused in January of punching a 13-year-old during a photo opportunity fan event for season ticket holders. Gritty “took a running start,” and “punched [Brandon] as hard as he could,” according to his father in the initial report.

Officials told ABC News that an investigation was completed and determined the mascot did not commit physical assault as alleged.

This is, of course, a very Philadelphia story, as only in Philly would the majority of people hearing about this immediately side with the wild-looking mascot over a child that may or may not have been assaulted.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 17: Gritty, the mascot of the Philadelphia Flyers interacts with a member of the mites on ice during the second period intermission against the Tampa Bay Lightning on November 17, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
Despite getting cleared of all wrong doing, Gritty is still a terrifying monster. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)

Gritty is now free to go about his regular duties at work, which honestly still involves quite a bit of time spent terrorizing kids, popping up to scare people, and dressing up in all manner of costume.

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