Arizona State's mascot, Sparky -- who is a devil, to get that out of the way -- was just trying to have some fun. Sparky saw a man posing for a picture along the Sun Devil Stadium sideline, ran at him full-tilt, and leapt aboard his back.

Unfortunately, that man turned out to be Tempe City councilman David Schapira, who was recovering from recent back surgery.

Finally home from the hospital! Here's what happened Friday that put me back in hospital 2 months after back surgery: pic.twitter.com/FGdpVli3x9 — David Schapira (@dschapira) September 22, 2015

Schapira, who at the time had been walking with the help of a cane, said he "felt a pop" as the emissary of Satan jumped on top of him, which turned out to be a torn muscle.

Arizona State has offered to cover Schapira's hospital bills. Sparky remains at large.

(via ABC15 Arizona)

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SB Nation video archives: The creepiest mascots in sports (2014)