Former Spurs star Manu Ginobili is apparently the hero the NBA not only deserves, but also the hero the league needs.
For the third time in two weeks, bats stole the show at an NBA game, most recently interrupting the Pacers-Clippers contest on Thursday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
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On Saturday, the Indiana State Department of Health issued a statement saying anyone who may have touched the bat with bare skin is urged to contact the department or a health care provider about receiving rabies vaccinations.
The Indiana State Department of Health issued a statement after a bat was flying around Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/jDSosNn24x
— RTV6 Indianapolis (@rtv6) February 10, 2019
The bat is no longer inside the arena, so its rabies status is unknown.
On Jan. 31, three bats swooped down over the court at AT&T Center while the Spurs were playing the Nets. The game was interrupted for nearly three minutes as the winged foes evaded capture.
Two days later, a bat was back, but The Spurs Coyote was ready. The mascot, armed with a net and a Batman costume, swiped at the flying mammal several times before eventually capturing it. The Coyote received a standing ovation from the crowd and players — and even evoked a smile out of normally statuesque Spurs coach Gregg Popovich.
Another bat showed up at the Spurs game and it was caught by their mascot dressed as Batman. 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/DZXa7oAFDn
— House of Highlights (@HoHighlights) February 3, 2019
The Coyote clearly reviewed some of Ginobili's old tape.
A video of Ginobili went viral in 2009 after the future Hall of Famer smacked down a bat during a game. Ginobli retired this past offseason, and San Antonio bats found their openings.
With Manu Ginobili's retirement, here's a reminder of the time he took on a bat. pic.twitter.com/gt0pSUlF5H
— ESPN (@espn) August 27, 2018
If Ginobili is looking for work, he may have found his calling. Please help us, Manu.