AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 24, 2007 — The Austin Toros today suspended their mascot for two games and assigned him to 50 hours of community service

Da Bull hangs on the rim near the end of the Toros victory over the 14ers. Chris Carson/Austin American Statesman

for his actions at the conclusion of the Toros' game against the Colorado 14ers.

The mascot, Da Bull, prematurely ran onto the court and hung from the rim with 0.4 seconds remaining and the Toros leading, 101-97, following a breakaway slam dunk by Toros center Loren Woods. While hanging from the rim, he collided with a 14ers player, losing his head literally and figuratively as it fell to the floor.

The Toros were assessed a technical foul and Von Wafer of the 14ers converted the free throw, giving the visitors a chance to tie the game with a three-point shot. But Rick Rickert missed a three-pointer as time expired, preserving the Toros' victory before a sold-out kids matinee at the Austin Convention Center.

"I've never seen that in all my years of basketball," said Toros Coach Dennis Johnson, "and I hope I never do again."

Da Bull will return to action on Friday, February 2, when the Toros take on the Bakersfield Jam. The Toros will have a replacement mascot for Friday's game against the Arkansas Rimrockers at 7:30.

Community service for Da Bull begins this weekend at the Bastrop Hoopstars basketball clinic on Saturday and Sunday at the Whataburger Youth Basketball clinic from 1-3 at the IH-35 and Wells Branch store.