L.A. Kings Mascot Suspended Following Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

This has been a tough year for NHL mascots. Earlier this year, the individual wearing the Philadelphia Flyers' Gritty costume was investigated for allegedly assaulting a young child. Now, the man who wears the Los Angeles Kings' Bailey costume has been suspended by the organization following a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment.
TMZ reported that Tim Smith, who plays Bailey, was being sued for sexually harassing a female member of the co-ed ice crew. She is seeking $1 million in damages and is also suing AEG, the Kings' parent company.

Smith is currently the "Senior Manager Game Presentation and Events" for the LA Kings and Ontario Reign, and has been with the team since 2007. This is the second lawsuit filed against Smith in the last four years. A man accused Smith of grabbing his buttocks in a Staples Center elevator.  

"We are aware of the recently-filed lawsuit alleging misconduct by one of our employees. The L.A. Kings take these allegations very seriously and, as an organization, we believe that everyone has the right to work in an environment free from any form of harassment or discrimination." 

Photographer: John Cordes/Icon Sportswire