We see them at every professional sport game—the mascots. Just who is under the costume though? Well, under Benny the Bull—the Chicago Bulls mascot—was Barry Anderson, who is 26 years old. Anderson was charged with battery recently for an incident at the Taste of Chicago. According to police, Anderson—dressed as Benny the Bull—attacked an off-duty officer during the event.

As part of the festivities, Benny the Bull was riding a mini-motorcycle around the event area. One problem was Anderson didn’t have a required permit. An off-duty policeman, working security, tried to stop Anderson, but he fled. The deputy chased and eventually caught Anderson. At that time, allegedly, Anderson took a swipe at the deputy. The punch knocked the deputy’s glasses to the ground and broke his watch.

According to Anderson, he was simply acting “in character” when the punch was thrown. Anderson was charged with two offenses—misdemeanor battery and driving within the parkway. While no one is blaming the Chicago Bulls organization, this is not the first time a mascot for the Chicago Bulls has been arrested. Last year, the man inside Da Bull was arrested for possession of cannabis with intent to deliver. Perhaps the Chicago Bulls should do a better job of background checking before selecting future individuals to serve as mascots.