National Basketball Association

Cavs mascot Moondog sidelined for two games

Published Oct. 14, 2014 12:58 p.m. ET

Connor Kiesel

Cold season is a bear and this time it's hit a dog.

Four-time NBA MVP LeBron James isn't the only Cleveland Cavalier who has been ruled out for Tuesday night's preseason game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Cavs will be without their mascot Moondog both Tuesday in Cleveland and Wednesday in Cincinnati (when they take on the Indiana Pacers).

Why?

Well, the Cavs have the update in a statement that has to be an early leader in the clubhouse for best team news release of the season.

Cavaliers team mascot Moondog has been declared OUT by the Cavaliers medical staff for tonight's game against the Milwaukee Bucks and tomorrow night's game in Cincinnati against the Indiana Pacers. Exams yesterday revealed that he is sick as a dog and will immediately undergo a period of rest and treatment, while he recovers and returns to his top canine form. His status will be updated as appropriate and the team looks forward to welcoming back a healthy dog in the near future.

"Sick as a dog." Get it?

You chuckled -- don't be afraid to admit it.

This is not Moondog's first fight with adversity. Two seasons ago, the mascot was hospitalized for an injury suffered in a pregame pretend fight with David West of the Pacers.

We at FOX Sports Ohio are sending our best wishes to Moondog and we'll be sure to keep you updated as soon as we know more.