Former Denver Nuggets Mascot Suing, Alleges Wrongful Firing After Taking Medical Leave

The man who wore that costume for three seasons, Drake Solomon, says he went on medical leave for a double hip replacement and was fired after returning to work.

“When I found out I was being let go, I was heartbroken, devastated,” Solomon said.

The 31-year-old said he had taken care of his medical issues, was cleared by a physician, and went back to work when he was let go.

It is the reason he is now suing his former supervisors and Nuggets owner Kroenke Sports and Entertainment.

“I was able to dunk and do half-court shots again. This isn’t about getting back at the team or anything like that. It’s really about right and wrong,” Solomon said

Solomon’s attorneys say the owners violated Colorado’s anti-discrimination act. Drake’s attorney says other workers may come forward with similar claims.

“When you go out on medical leave, the company is required to protect your job. We want to make sure the Nuggets protect people who get injured,” Rathod Mohamedbhai attorney Siddartha Rathod said.

In court documents, attorneys alleged Solomon returned to a hostile work environment and, despite his clean bill of health, the defendants fired Solomon.

Solomon says he followed in his father’s footsteps, who had been the team’s mascot for more than 30 years. He says he grew up with the organization that unexpectedly fired him.

The lawsuit names the Nuggets owners, Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, as well as two supervisors.

A spokesman for the company said they had no comment since it’s a legal and personnel matter. Solomon’s attorneys say they are hoping to take the case before a jury sometime next year.