Flyers mascot Gritty cleared in alleged assault of 13-year-old

Scott Gleeson | USA TODAY

The Philadelphia Flyers' mascot was absolved of any wrongdoing on Monday after allegations arose that "Gritty" punched a 13-year-old boy during a Nov. 19 game at the franchise's Fargo Center.

The Philadelphia Police Department announced that its investigation into the matter had closed and released a statement to media outlets, including USA TODAY Sports, that read: "That investigation, which has been completed and is no longer active, determined that the actions of the individual portraying the Flyers' mascot did not constitute physical assault as alleged."

Flyers season-ticket holder Chris Greenwell filed a police report December 21. He told the Philadelphia Inquirer in January that his son, Brandon, "playfully patted" Gritty on the head after a photo during a meet-and-greet event before the mascot turned and "punched my son as hard as he could." Greenwell told the media outlet his son was diagnosed with a back bruise as a result of the interaction.

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The Flyers, which released a statement when the allegations became public noting that it reviewed video recordings and did not see evidence to support Greenwell's claim, also released a statement noting that the police department's findings Monday coincided with the organization's own independent investigation into the matter.

Gritty, who debuted as the Flyers' mascot in 2018, has been a regular in public appearances, including the NHL All-Star Game, since the incident.

Greenwell had told the Inquirer in January he hasn't hired a lawyer and is only seeking an apology from the team and something special for his son.