From 7 News Denver:

The official mascot of the Denver Nuggets caused quite a scare before the game started at the Pepsi Center Friday night.

The plan was for Rocky to be lowered in a harness, with a spotlight on him, just before the home opener.

Fans were horrified when a lifeless Rocky was lowered to the center court where he immediately collapsed. The spotlight was quickly turned off.

Rocky was checked by medical personnel before he walked off the court under his own power.

Word from the Nuggets was that Rocky had the wind knocked out of him and would be out for the remainder of the game.

The camera angle during the live broadcast made it appear Rocky was hanging by his neck, but the line went to a harness on his back that was hidden by the mascot’s large head.

On Saturday, the mascot tweeted he was “feeling much better” and hoped to be back in action for next week’s game against the San Antonio Spurs.

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