A man is suing the Indiana Pacers and the performer who portrays its feline mascot, alleging the 6-foot-tall performer permanently injured him when he was tackled during a free-throw shooting contest.

Nathaniel Jackson, who lives in northern Indiana's Adams County, alleges in his lawsuit that as he entered Conseco Fieldhouse for a March 11, 2005 game against Golden State he was asked to take part in a free-throw shooting contest during a time out.

Jackson, who is in his mid-20s, initially declined, saying he was recovering from back surgery but was assured that "there would be no reason for concern or injury," according to the lawsuit, which was filed March 2 in Marion Superior Court.

After taking part in the free-throw contest, the lawsuit states that Jackson began to leave the basketball court but was tackled from behind by the team's mascot, "Boomer," a 6-foot-tall blue cat with gold whiskers.