Even the Mascot Was Tossed in Foul-Filled Free-for-All

ODESSA, Tex. — Even the mascot got tossed.

Officials called seven technical fouls and ejected three participants, including a 7-foot bird mascot, in Monday night’s junior college basketball game between Midland College and Odessa College.

Midland Coach Reggie Franklin, his player Carroll Boudreaux and Midland Chaparrals mascot Mike Burnett were all thrown out of the game, which Odessa won, 100-79.

Franklin was heaved after receiving a double flagrant technical, sophomore Boudreaux after three lesser violations, including a slam-dunk after a referee’s whistle, and Burnett when he tried to go out onto the floor after halftime.

Burnett, a music performance major, told the Midland Reporter Telegram he wasn’t sure why he was ejected.

“He told me, ‘Don’t go out on the floor or we’ll kick your (expletive) out of here,’ ” Burnett said of the referee’s warning.

During team timeouts in the first half Burnett did his usual shtick--bowing at the official’s feet, feigning a handshake and polishing the ref’s shoes--much as the famed Chicken does at professional games.

He was told to get out of his road runner-like costume that features a giant head and beak but was allowed to stay on the sideline with the cheerleaders.