Denver Nuggets have had one of the NBA's most popular team mascots for many years, but now one of the men who formerly donned the Rocky mask is suing the team's owner.

Drake Solomon claims the Denver Nuggets pushed him out after he underwent hip surgery. He filed a lawsuit alleging discrimination and unlawful severance.

He received an avascular necrosis diagnosis and underwent surgery to treat the death of bone tissue caused by a lack of blood supply. He also required a hip replacement. In his lawsuit, Solomon said the Nuggets informed him they would hold tryouts for the mascot position because of "his record of impairment and their lack of confidence in his health.