The Sacramento Kings are introducing a new mascot to go with their City Edition uniforms, and guard De’Aaron Fox is not exactly a fan.
The new mascot, named “Roy Al,” debuted Thursday to decidedly mixed reviews. As depicted, it is little more than a man with a basketball head wearing a Kings crown, though he is adorned in the new jersey.
Well, the Kings new city edition jerseys come with a new mascot named “Roy Al” pic.twitter.com/A3t5LBrGdj
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) November 14, 2024
Fox, the Kings’ star guard, got his first glimpse at Roy Al on Friday when meeting with reporters. His off-the-cuff reaction probably echoed that of many fans.
“What the f— is that?” Fox asked immediately. “He looks like he’d work out of a fast food restaurant.”
De'Aaron Fox's reaction to seeing the Kings new part time mascot "Roy Al" for the first time, was admittedly a lot like mine. pic.twitter.com/IZH8cpYxVW
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) November 15, 2024
Not all mascots are created equal. Perhaps this one will grow on people, but at least initially, he looks unlikely to supplant the team’s main mascot, Slamson the Lion.
As for Fox, he is not yet signed long-term, though that appears to be just a matter of time. Presumably, no mascot will impact his decision on that front.
