Who Is Ex-Rocky Mascot? Why Is He Filing Lawsuit Against Denver Nuggets?

Mascots are more than costumed entertainers. They are symbols of pride, joy, and connection for fans. Denver Nuggets fans know this well, having embraced Rocky since his debut in 1990. Designed as a mountain lion with a lightning bolt tail, Rocky quickly became famous for backflips, half-court shots, and cheeky skits. But before fans knew the high-energy mascot we see today, there was a father-son legacy behind the fur. And for Drake Solomon, who followed in his father’s footsteps, that legacy has now turned into a legal fight.

Drake began his journey with the Nuggets in 2012 as a trampoline dunker, helping with Rocky’s performances alongside his father, Kenn Solomon. In 2021, he officially became the full-time Rocky after Kenn retired, carrying the family tradition forward. His first seasons were filled with energy, even during the Nuggets’ 2022–23 championship run, though hip pain began to slow him down. “I still showed up every game, even when I could barely run,” he recalled in past interviews. By 2024, the pain led to a full hip replacement. What followed next would change everything for Drake.

According to court documents, Drake Solomon is suing Kroenke Sports & Entertainment for disability discrimination. His lawyers say KSE created a hostile work environment after his surgeries and that his firing violated the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act and the POWR Act. Solomon claims he returned to work healthy, yet was told tryouts for his role would happen because he had “burned them last time.” He says, “So, you can go dunk now?” was the sarcastic question from a supervisor, reflecting the tension he faced. KSE declined to comment when asked about the lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges KSE failed to attend his performances, ignored his recovery progress, and fired him despite meeting the physical demands in tryouts. His lawyers argue the severance offer “violates nearly every provision of the POWR Act” and that it may affect other former employees. Solomon earned $70,000 annually plus appearance fees, far from the six-figure myth. For fans, this case is more than a contract dispute; it’s about the man behind the mask who carried a legacy, only to find himself in court defending it.

The original Rocky The Mascot’s unseen battles and lasting legacy

For Denver Nuggets fans, Rocky was more than a mascot. He was a fearless acrobat, a comedian, and the heart of game night. Kenn Solomon, the man inside the suit for over three decades, built that legacy through daring stunts and an unwavering bond with the crowd. From half-court shots atop a 30-foot ladder to balance beams and tricycle rides, his creativity pushed limits. “Our risk and safety guy comes out and he’s like, ‘Yeah, you can come down now because that’s not happening,’” he recalled with a laugh.

The job came with a cost. Solomon never stepped back from the spotlight, even when injured or sick. “I did this sick. I did this with broken bones. I did break my back at one point,” he said. One miscalculated stunt left him with broken heels and months of recovery. “Thinking I’m invincible, land and break both heels, shatter one of them,” he remembered. Still, the roar of the crowd kept him returning, fueled by the thrill of entertaining fans night after night.

Yet Rocky’s impact on Solomon reached far beyond the court. “Rocky also saved my life,” he admitted. During periods of depression, performing gave him purpose. “Without him I may not be here, we’ll just put it that way.” The Nuggets’ support was constant, something Solomon never took for granted. “They trusted me. They stood behind me. The Nuggets helped raise my family,” he said, recalling moments when his children joined him on the court.

Looking back, Solomon’s gratitude for fans runs deep. “I would say, gosh, thank you so much for letting me do what I do,” he reflected. From that nerve-wracking debut rappel to becoming a mascot icon, even ending up with a beef with Charles Barkley, Solomon’s Rocky remains etched in the soul of Denver basketball.