Celtics president Rich Gotham declined to say whether Blust quit or was fired. "It's a private employer-employee matter, something I can't talk about right now," he said. The team also declined to say whether or when Blust might be replaced.
Scott Jordan of (207) Entertainment in Portland, Maine, who recently began representing Blust, said Blust was not fired.
In his statement, Blust said he will miss performing for "the best sports fans in the world," as he has for the past six seasons. But he said leaving would allow him to launch a new career working with children on health issues. "At 33, I'm not getting any younger and like most professional athletes there comes a time to step out of the limelight and focus on a career that can be sustained at an older age."
Blust said he plans to create a school-based health and fitness show focusing on preventing diseases such as Type 2 diabetes among youth. "The only way I could repay the Celtics for their support over the years is to take what I've learned from the organization and strive to provide the same level of excellence . . . with my own school program," he said. He signed his statement, "Go Celtics! Best o'luck, Damon Blust aka Lucky."
But a source in the Celtics organization said Blust had been having trouble with management, and had missed public appearances for both charities and Celtics sponsors, despite warnings to change his behavior. "They sat with him before the season started and told him, 'If you don't show up, there are going to be problems,' " said the source. "He wasn't keeping his schedule like he should have."
Blust, who became the Celtics' mascot in 2003, is a skilled gymnast who often dunked after catapulting off a trampoline. He was a familiar sight at TD Banknorth Garden in his velvet knickers, vest, bow tie, and bowler.
Celtics fans either loved him or hated him.
