Jenni Carlson's Q&A with Oklahoma City Thunder mascot Rumble the Bison

By Jenni Carlson Comments 6
Published: October 24, 2009

Oklahoma City Thunder mascot Rumble the Bison is the reigning NBA Mascot of the Year. PHOTO BY PAUL B. SOUTHERLAND, THE OKLAHOMAN

Jenni Carlson: Can I call you Rumble, or do you prefer Mr. Bison?

Rumble the Bison: You can call me by Rumble.

JC: Great. Let’s start with the most pressing question — can you please explain "Thunder Up”?

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RTB: "Thunder Up” to me is just a way to express how excited you can be as a fan. It can be a rally cry for fans. It can be a number of things. It’s kind of open-ended. It’s a fun rally cry that is unique to the Thunder.

JC: You were NBA Mascot of the Year last season. Is there any pressure being the reigning champ?

RTB: First of all, I think it was a reflection not only on our organization but our community. The community embraced me. Without that, I don’t think I would’ve been able to get the Mascot of the Year. I definitely feel a little bit more pressure because I know all the mascots from around the league are watching.

JC: Now, you’re a star in the mascot world, but are there any mascots who still leave you star struck?

RTB: The first mascot I always think of is The Famous Chicken. He started it all, so we have to bow down to The Chicken. The Philly Phanatic is in there second for being a ground-breaker. But then when you get into the NBA, I think Clutch in Houston and Rocky the Mountain Lion in Denver. I’ve watched him specifically. I try to pattern a lot of my routines after his.

JC: If you had to fight it out with those guys for NBA Mascot of the Year, could you beat them?

RTB: I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that they don’t have. I think I’m the only drumming mascot in the league, so I’ve got the drum-off down.

JC: To celebrate the opener, aren’t you doing some community outreach events in these days leading up to the opener?

RTB: That’s something fun that we came together as an organization and said, "What a great time to give back to the community and just have some fun and brighten some people’s day.” We don’t want to disclose everything. We want there to be some surprises. Friday ... we stopped by Big Truck Tacos and gave out free Thunder Burritos. They have a burrito named in honor of the Thunder team. It’s bison meat in the burrito.

JC: Are you OK with that?

RTB: I am OK with that. I see it that the more that people eat bison, the less competition I have.

JC: Any chance there’s a Rumble Burrito in the future?

RTB: That’s what I’m shooting for. I’m hoping for that. The Rumble Hamburger, burrito ... we could get some pizza in there, too.

JC: I’ve got some fan questions here for you. These were submitted to me by your adoring public. First, how often do you get a haircut?

RTB: I try to stay away from the scissors as much as possible, which I think is pretty evident from the long locks. I don’t know if it’s a Samson thing where I get strength from it, but yeah, I like to let it flow.

JC: What about hair products? Do you use anything to keep it flowing and shiny?

RTB: Nope. All natural.

JC: As with any celebrity, this question has to be asked — are you seeing anyone?

RTB: You know, a lot of women at games and at appearances have come up to me, but I really don’t have too much time to spend dating or hanging out with other people. It’s all work right now.

JC: The celebrity life is not easy.

RTB: Exactly. It wouldn’t be fair. I can’t split my time.

JC: Your public demands it, right?

RTB: My one true love is performing.

Want to know what Rumble thinks about this year’s Thunder squad? Check out my blog.