The first change to the Bulls' line-up in the postseason is a popular team member who's been around for awhile, but isn't on the roster.
The man behind the 'Benny the Bull' mascot is stepping down on June 30, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Barry Anderson has been behind the iconic mascot since 2004, and announced in a Facebook post Friday that he will not be returning to his long-time role, the Tribune reported.
"After 12 incredible years, it's come time for me to explore this world, this life, without my fuzzy red friend. In what's been an impossibly difficult choice to make, I've decided that June 30th will be my final day at the Chicago Bulls, where my heart will forever live," the post reads.
The Bulls confirmed they offered Anderson a contract, according to the Tribune, but the two sides could not come to an agreement.
Benny was named the NBA Mascot of the Year in 2015, and will return in some form next season, the Bulls said.
Join us in saying congrats to the one and only @BennyTheBull, who has just been voted the NBA Mascot of the Year! pic.twitter.com/gPGaPPR0xg
Local
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) August 14, 2015
Forbes Magazine also named Benny the Bull the favorite mascot across all sports franchises in 2013, saying outside of home games, Benny participates in 250 events and appearances per year.
