ASU mascot Sparky sends city councilman back to the hospital

Mascots are often playful, silly and harmless. Arizona State's devilish mascot, Sparky, is usually no exception. 

This week, however, Sparky may have been a bit too much in character. According to KNXV-TV, Sparky jumped on Tempe City Councilman David Schapira -- still recovering from a recent back surgery. The councilman was laughing, he said, he until he realized he had torn a back muscle. 

Arizona State has apologized for Sparky's "excessive exuberance" and ESPN reports that the university has offered to help pay medical bills. 

Schapira is reportedly not mad at Sparky, though he "might wear a warning sign" in the future.

(h/t ESPN)