MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – The Memphis Grizzlies’ mascot has been named the 2011 NBA Mascot of the Year.

It’s the first time Grizz has won the award, which was selected by his peers at the league’s annual mascot meetings in Milwaukee.

Now entering his 17th season, Grizz is known for his spectacular stunts and shenanigans.

Greg Campbell is the Grizzlies’ president of business operations. He says the award “is a tremendous honor for Grizz, the Grizzlies organization and members of Grizz Nation across the world.”

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

Memphis, Tennessee – An array of acrobatic antics and hilarious hijinks have led to Memphis Grizzlies mascot Grizz being named the 2011 NBA Mascot of the Year. It marks the first time Memphis furry fan favorite has won the award, which was selected by his peers at the leagues annual mascot meetings in Milwaukee.

The NBA Mascot of the Year Award is a tremendous honor for Grizz, the Grizzlies organization and members of Grizz Nation across the world, said Greg Campbell, Grizzlies President of Business Operations. We are extremely proud of the efforts of Grizz, our game presentation staff and the host of other departments who collaborate to present Grizzs one-of-a-kind brand of entertainment year round.

Now entering his 17th season, Grizz is beloved throughout Grizz Nation for his spectacular stunts and shenanigans. During the 2010-11 season, Grizz memorably spoofed the 2011 NBA Dunk Contest and performed in such skits as Bearanormal Activity in addition to his trademark dunk routines with the Kings of the Court.

As part of the Grizzlies historic 10th season in Memphis, Grizz also reintroduced his equally-popular alter ego, Super Grizz, as a nod to the franchises early seasons in the city. Donning an updated mask and cape, Super Grizz encouraged fans to Believe as the team earned its first postseason berth since 2006 and advanced to the NBA Western Conference Semifinals.

The Memphis community has become the perfect natural habitat for Grizz, who was often the star of the show in schools throughout the city and region as part of the organizations Read to Achieve and Healthy Homecourt initiatives.

- Grizzlies.com –
 

Memphis, Tn – Memphis Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley is being inducted into the Peabody Memphis Duck Walk of Fame on Thursday.

Team mascot “Grizz” will bear witness to the festivities and will march the world-famous Peabody ducks as honorary Duckmaster.

The hall of fame was created in 1996 to recognize those who have made major contributions to downtown Memphis.

Elvis Presley is among past inductees.
 

(AP) – Michael Heisley, majority owner of the NBA Memphis Grizzlies, will be inducted into The Peabody Memphis Duck Walk Hall of Fame on Thursday.

The hall of fame was created in 1996 to recognize those who have made major contributions to downtown Memphis. Elvis Presley is among past inductees.

The Peabody hotel is known for its five ducks who make two daily walks to and from their penthouse suite to a marble fountain in the lobby.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

On Sunday night, we noted reports that Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph allegedly hosted a party at his Oregon home that ended with a marijuana dealer being hospitalized after he was beaten with pool cues by Randolph’s friends.

While Randolph is still not a suspect in the assault, the picture just gets uglier and uglier as details continue to emerge in the case and.

KGW.com reports that the admitted marijuana dealer, James Beasley, says Randolph personally took the marijuana from him prior to the alleged beating that left him bloodied. Why? Because Randolph allegedly didn’t want to pay $200.

“[Randolph] got upset about the price. He thought the price was too high,” Beasley explained. “He snatched the weed out of my hands, like, aggressively, he snatched it like basically saying, ‘I’m taking your weed.’”

4-7 people — but not Randolph — then allegedly participated in the beating.

“My face was covered up in blood, my clothes were covered in blood,” Beasley told the television station. “They hit me upside the head. Split my eye open with a pool stick.”

Beasley’s brother, Robert, told KGW that Randolph allowed the beating to commence without intervening.

“I am very, very disappointed,” said Robert. “Zach was there and should have stopped it. He could have stopped it.’”

“They beat him up and left him out there,” Robert told KOINLocal6.com. “They robbed my brother. They basically beat him, bust him in his head with a pool stick and left him on a dark road by himself for dead.”

KOIN also reported that the family claims the beating left Beasley with “a concussion, stitches and brain swelling.”

Beasley’s mother, Shikego, told the station that her son had a long-standing relationship with Randolph.
“It’s not like he was your groupie, Zach,” she said. “You’ve been knowing my child. You’ve been partying with my child.”

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