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New Sparky is not the only notable short-timer in Arizona sports history

Mar 19, 2013, 10:29 PM | Updated: Mar 20, 2013, 12:40 am
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Arizona Sports

On March 1, 2013, Arizona State unveiled a new Sparky.

On March 19, 2013, Arizona State put the kibosh on new Sparky, instead deciding to let the ‘ASU community’ design the new look.

The mascot’s tenure lasted fewer than three weeks, though the reaction to him was, well, pretty negative (but very funny).

Anyway, new Sparky’s short tenure in the Valley got us to thinking about other Valley sports figures who did not last very long, and we came up with a few.

Terry Porter Tenure: 51 games The Phoenix Suns tabbed Terry Porter to replace Mike D'Antoni with the idea that he'd bring an emphasis on defense for a team that could use help on that end. The Suns entered the All-Star break with a 28-23 record, but was fired by the team and replaced by Alvin Gentry with the idea that he'd get the team back to playing its fast-paced, high-scoring style of basketball. Buster Davis Tenure: Training Camp You are forgiven if you don't remember the Cardinals' third round pick in 2007. A linebacker from Florida State, he signed for three years, Davis was released before he would ever play a game for the team. Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic Tenure: 0 days You may not remember, but these are the players the Phoenix Suns acquired in the trade that sent Shaquille O'Neal to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Neither one ever suited up for the team. New Sparky Tenure: 19 days ASU held a press conference complete with a comedian, video presentation and cheerleaders to reveal the latest update to the classic mascot. However, public reaction was not positive, and it was announced less than three weeks later that the school would let the 'ASU community' help design the new mascot. Lute Olson Tenure: Not long The University of Arizona men's basketball coach sat out the 2007-08 season due to health reasons, but returned the following year and appeared to be in good health and good spirits. He participated in media day on Oct. 21, but did not attend practice the following day and, on Oct. 23, it was announced he was retiring. Brett Hull Tenure: 5 games One of the greatest players in NHL history, Hull's time with the Coyotes was truncated by the lockout that cost the league its entire 2004-05 season. However, when they returned to the ice the following year Hull lasted just five games before calling it quits. He did tally one assist, so it wasn't a complete waste of time. Wally Backman Tenure: 4 days Named the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks on Nov. 1, 2004, Backman was fired just on Nov. 5 after the organization learned of some legal troubles that followed him to town.

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New Sparky is not the only notable short-timer in Arizona sports history