Injury update — More bad news for Washington

We just received word that Washington will be shorthanded tomorrow due to an injury.

The team’s canine mascot, an Alaskan Malamute named Spirit, has been placed on the disabled list (I’m not making this up) and will not be able to attend the Washington-BYU game. The husky reportedly suffered a shoulder injury recently.

Here’s more from the Washington web site:

It is currently unclear how long the Alaskan Malamute will be unable to perform his duties as Washington’s live mascot at Husky football games.

Since last spring, Spirit has been scheduled to retire as Washington’s mascot upon the conclusion of the current football season. The school expects to announce soon its plans to breed a new mascot that will represent its athletics program.

Officially named Whitepaw’s Arlut Spirit of Gold Dust, Spirit made his debut as Washington’s mascot in 1999. He is the 10th Alaskan Malamute to have served as the Husky mascot and leads the team out of the tunnel before every home contest. He travels the sidelines during every home game, accompanied by trainer Kim Cross and several of Cross’ children – who act as the dog’s handlers.