LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Clippers have unveiled a new mascot: Chuck the California Condor.
The bird made its entry at halftime of Monday night's game against Brooklyn. It was lowered from the rafters at Staples Center with the arena lights off.
Chuck is gray with a large blue nose, wears a Clippers cape and has a red-and-white helmet that he removes.
Team owner Steve Ballmer personally introduced the bird, which danced, did flips and dunked with the help of a trampoline.
The crowd was underwhelmed in its response until Ballmer announced that fans would receive a free pair of red Converse sneakers if the owner could successfully dunk. Ballmer did so using the trampoline and the crowd roared.
The Clippers were one of four NBA teams without a mascot. Years ago, they had one named Sam Dunk when the franchise was located in San Diego.
