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December 24, 2024
Tempe, Arizona – Arizona State’s beloved mascot was refused admittance to the Sun Devils’ Christmas Eve gathering at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Tempe the night before Christmas.
“It’s sad,” said star running back Cam Skattebo via Instagram chat late on Tuesday night.
“Coach called ahead and made sure the clergy knew Sparky was going to be there, but they still wouldn’t let him in. It’s just sad that in 2024, this is where we are,” the All-American said.
Sparky the Sun Devil, who doesn’t speak, wasn’t immediately available for comment, but the Sun Devils’ head coach Kenny Dillingham said the mascot was deeply affected by the denial.
“He’s pretty beat up about it, but sadly, he’s used to being judged for who he is at this stage,” the 34-year old first-time CFP head coach said via iOS message on Tuesday. “You gotta ask yourself though: would this happen to Duke or DePaul? I don’t know the answer to that,” Dillingham exclaimed.
“We’re looking at alternatives for next season. I respect Mount Carmel’s decision, they are a pillar of this community, but at the end of the day, we’re not a complete team unless all of our team is welcome,” Dillingham concluded.
