Gritty under fire for attacking child

By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com

Hockey's biggest star has gotten himself in trouble with the law. No, not Sidney Crosby. No, not Alex Ovechkin.

Give up? Gritty, the Philadelphia Flyers mascot, is currently under police investigation "in reference to a physical assault that occurred...during a photo shoot with a 13 year old"

Chris Greenwell went with his son Brandon to a season ticket-holder photo op with the Flyers famous mascot back in November. After waiting for an hour to get their photo, the duo finally got their chance. As is clear from their picture, Gritty took the chance to size up his 'competition'.

What happened next? As described by Chris Greenwell, 13-year old Brandon gave Gritty a 'playful' pat on the head, which resulted in Gritty taking "a running start" and "punching [his] son as hard as he could". Greenwell says he took his son to a chiropractor a week after the incident, where he was diagnosed with a back bruise.

After contacting the Flyers and failing to come to an agreement, Greenwell contacted the police about a month after the incident. Comcast Spectacor, where the event was held, claims they have no video of the altercation, leaving this an 'active and on-going' investigation for the Philly PD.

Greenwell has said he doesn't plan on hiring a lawyer, although he will be canceling his season tickets after 22 years.

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Hate mail? Let him hear it on Twitter @RealAlexBarth