For a year, the United States has rallied around Harambe. And rightfully so. That fallen hero gorilla was killed unjustly.
But as a society, we must admit when we are wrong. For the past ten months, we have forgotten to give attention to the previously most famous gorilla in America: The Suns Gorilla mascot.
On Tuesday evening, Suns Gorilla returned to the spotlight. During the fourth quarter of the Suns' home game against the Wizards, the mascot slid onto the court of play and scampered off quickly.
Uh, @SunsGorilla what's going on here? pic.twitter.com/5p46FqNbGR
— FOX Sports Arizona (@FOXSPORTSAZ) March 8, 2017
This moment left Twitter confused. Why would this experienced mascot, known for its high-flying dunks, put itself at risk of affecting the game?
Bruh what is the Phoenix Suns gorilla doing? pic.twitter.com/J6YOSZ41LD
— Kyle Weidie (@Truth_About_It) March 8, 2017
.@SunsGorilla you good??
— G-Wiz (@the_real_Gwiz) March 8, 2017
Umm, what you doing @SunsGorilla? pic.twitter.com/mFuAgxrtn3
— Adam Joseph (@AdamJosephSport) March 8, 2017
Gorilla from the Suns tried to sabotage the Wizards. pic.twitter.com/mkSFdBdPqg
— DC Maryland Virginia (@DMVFollowers) March 8, 2017
As viewers further scrutinized the clip, it became evident Suns Gorilla was well aware of the situation. He was actually making an admirable attempt to clear the court of a foreign object (some sort of rogue drumstick).
closer look shows the Suns Gorilla grabbed an object that rolled onto the court pic.twitter.com/yMZSZuhB1g
— Danny (@recordsANDradio) March 8, 2017
He saw a potential health hazard, acted decisively, saved lives, and wanted no credit.@SunsGorilla is the mascot we need in these times. https://t.co/SNq3zuwaBC
— Andrew Lynch (@AndrewLynch) March 8, 2017
.@SunsGorilla for 6th Man of the Year pic.twitter.com/dHqsNw7iwe
— ThePostGame (@ThePostGame) March 8, 2017
We the people demand @SunsGorilla be interviewed at the post game press conference podium to explain this memorable moment in sports history
— Rob Perez (@World_Wide_Wob) March 8, 2017
The Suns confirmed their mascot's heroism.
NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES. https://t.co/odm0Sgzc1J
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) March 8, 2017
And the video edits flooded Twitter.
How far would you go for a shot at the league?
Would you interrupt live play?
Start a revolution?
Coming this spring: 'Planet of the NBApes' pic.twitter.com/yK0vH7znXe— Rob Perez (@World_Wide_Wob) March 8, 2017
@World_Wide_Wob That moment when you remember you left your house keys on the basketball court pic.twitter.com/CbMxgFC6AI
— Denlesks (@Denlesks) March 8, 2017
Suns Gorilla Diving on the Court + Titanic is as emotional as you would imagine pic.twitter.com/2Krtr0eabe
— RT Ohio (@RT_Ohio) March 8, 2017
The answer is hero. Suns Gorilla is a hero and we're sorry we didn't give you attention for a year. You've won over our hearts again.
-- Follow Jeff Eisenband on Twitter @JeffEisenband. Like Jeff Eisenband on Facebook.