Phillie Phanatic accused in bomb scare
A bomb scare at Citizens Bank Park before Wednesday night's game has led authorities to an unlikely figure -- the Phillies Phanatic.
According to The Associated Press, hours before the Phillies-Atlanta Braves' game, a film crew shot a commercial of the mascot shooting heavily wrapped hot dogs from a launcher.
But someone inadvertently left three of the duct taped hot dogs outside the ballpark, sparking security fears. Stadium employees were evacuated and the bomb squad was called in.
Only after the packages were blown up did authorities realize they'd just exploded some sausages.
"We saw something that looked suspicious," said Michael Stiles, Phillies senior vice president, administration and operations. "We did the right thing. It turned out to be nothing. We could have gone over and picked it up and thrown it in the trash and been done with it. But if we had been wrong, somebody might have lost an arm."
After the detonation, the game went on as scheduled.
"I'd rather them blow up some hot dogs or some ketchup and mustard and relish than have it be a real bomb," reliever Chad Durbin said. "Better safe than sorry."
Labels: bomb scare, Phillie Phanatic