How Much Does the Denver Nuggets Mascot Make? 'Rocky the Mountain Lion' Set to Sue NBA Team

Most NBA mascots take home about £47,000 ($60,000) a year — but Denver Nuggets' 'Rocky the Mountain Lion' is in a league of his own, reportedly earning over £470,000 ($600,000) annually. Now, the man behind the suit is making headlines for a very different reason: a lawsuit accusing the team of wrongful termination after a career-threatening injury.

From Arena Star to Lawsuit

According to a report by the New York Post, Drake Solomon, who has portrayed Rocky since 2021, is suing Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of the Nuggets, alleging wrongful termination, discrimination and retaliation under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act.

The lawsuit claims Solomon developed a serious hip condition, avascular necrosis, during the 2022-23 season. After undergoing multiple surgeries — including a hip replacement in April 2024 — he informed supervisors that doctors expected a full recovery within months. However, he alleges the team held open tryouts for a new Rocky regardless, citing concerns over his health.

A Family Legacy in the Spotlight

Solomon grew up in the Nuggets organisation. His father, Kenn, had been the original Rocky for more than 30 years before retiring in 2021. Solomon was the only person invited to a closed-door tryout to replace him, eventually inheriting the suit and the role that had been part of his life since infancy.

'I had a strong loyalty to this company since I was two weeks old on the court, and it was just heartbreaking, not just for me, but for my family as well,' Solomon told The Independent.

Return Met With 'Hostility'

The lawsuit alleges that when Solomon returned to work in May 2024 after his hip surgery, he faced a hostile work environment. He claims he performed all his duties that summer and even helped audition hopefuls by teaching them how to dunk in the heavy Rocky costume. Despite this, management proceeded with tryouts for the 2024-25 season.

Shortly after the auditions, Solomon was fired. He says no explanation was given at the time, but the organisation later claimed it was because he did not score first in the tryouts.

Financial Dispute and Potential Class Action

The complaint also challenges the severance agreement offered to Solomon, claiming it was unlawful and alleging that similar agreements were presented to other employees. The suit seeks unspecified damages and leaves the door open for a potential class action.

'It was not easy to go ahead with this because I love the Nuggets,' Solomon told the Colorado Sun. 'They've been my whole life and my family. For things to end the way they did, it was pretty heartbreaking.'