Phoenix Suns' 'Original Gorilla' explains story behind the legendary mascot

In 1980, a man working for a telegram service was hired to wear a gorilla suit to a Suns game. Decades later, the gorilla has become synonymous with Phoenix.
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[@robertpaul9799]

One of my favorite mascots in the whole NBA since the 90s. I remember how the city was all fired up with the amazing 93 team that made it to the Finals. Good times!

[@dennisspagnolo9979]

I wish they could have shown him dancing...THE MAN COULD FLAT-OUT-GET-IT back in the day!

[@gregdanielson9086]

Stay wit it! Go Suns.

[@tommorales2371]

Sun's game, live are Alot of fun, that Gorillas energy is FIRE.!!

[@not_king_g]

Bro just got hired and got the deal of a lifetime

[@brettkeir7935]

Henry was my Pastor when I was in Phoenix in 2017

[@James-xm4ki]

Awesome story! Love this!!

[@Az-bseries]

Go suns!

[@OzzyGonzalez-t1w]

I love the gorilla oz

[@jeremymalysa952]

No way rocky i loved him

[@camerongrubert9073]

One person (the negative review) needs to be dunked on

[@Justjuleshater24]

I remember when the suns beat the bulls the mascot dunk a bull plushie

[@theslickrockstranger3585]

My now brother-in-law alerted me to this story I might disagree with the "OG." Maybe first with the full suit, but I had my then-girlfriend's brother walk me around the arena with a chain attached like a dog collar and I wore a gorilla mask and a referee's shirt. People loved it. Thinking it was back in a series with the ol' Seattle Supersonics in the late 70's. Maybe the guy who hired him saw me and got inspired.

[@Klikklikboom0911]

Jim Edmondson the real creator.. that idea was stolen

[@bdstriggerman8760]

thank god BLM hasn’t thrown a fit about a damn iconic gorilla

[@arizonalurps5150]

I think they might have I haven't seen him

[@robertpaul9799]

Hey, don't give them ideas. 😏

[@carmanthomas8144]

They should.

[@bdstriggerman8760]

@@carmanthomas8144 and why is that

[@notmytruthTHEtruth]

arguing about BLM when we fund apartheid in Israel and a genocide in Yemen with our tax dollars. you're no different than Democrats.