TOM (mascot)

For the official mascot of the 2016 Summer Paralympics, see Vinicius and Tom.

TOM (Tigers Of Memphis) is the name of three Bengal tigers which have served as the mascot of the Memphis Tigers since 1972. The most recent, TOM III, was a beloved Bengal tiger mascot for the University of Memphis during one of the most glorious periods in University and athletics history. He died on September 18, 2020, less than three weeks after his 12th birthday. The Tigers' football team also has a costumed mascot called Pouncer.

TOM III was housed and cared for by the Tiger Guard, a committee of the Highland Hundred football booster club. University funds are not used to provide for the tiger's needs. The University of Memphis was one of two universities in the United States that use a live tiger as a mascot (the other being LSU) and has received criticism from animal welfare organizations.[1][2]

Until Tom II Memphis was the only school to have a live tiger mascot present at football games.[3] TOM attends Memphis Tiger home games at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in a special sound proof, air conditioned trailer.[4][2]

  1. ^ Greer, Jarvis (October 15, 2008). "Rest in Peace University Of Memphis Mascot TOM II". WMCTV.
  2. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference mascot was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Mark, Deane (January 19, 2017). "LSU's next Mike the Tiger will no longer attend home games".
  4. ^ Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel: Live Mascots (HBO Sports). November 18, 2013. Archived from the original on 2021-12-18.