University of Miami mascot Sebastian the Ibis is responding to a viral story that has been making waves on social media. On Saturday afternoon, the Miami Hurricanes faced off against Syracuse in a thrilling game that ended in heartbreak for the Hurricanes, as they fell 42-38 to the Orange. It was a tough loss for Miami, but that wasn’t the only headline from the game.
In addition to Miami’s defeat, their beloved mascot, Sebastian the Ibis, found himself at the center of an unexpected controversy. During the game, CNY Central sports anchor Ashley Wenskoski made a claim on social media that caught everyone’s attention.
According to Wenskoski, Sebastian allegedly attempted to flirt with her while the action was still ongoing on the field.
“Sebastian the Ibis just kneeled down and asked for my number mid-drive,” Wenskoski posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Feels like he has bigger things to worry about with his team on the ropes in the 4th quarter at the Dome…but who am I to say.”
The post quickly went viral, with fans and followers reacting to the amusing situation. Many found humor in the idea of a college mascot multitasking during a high-stakes football game, while others questioned whether Wenskoski’s story could be true.
The image of Sebastian, typically known for his antics and team spirit, allegedly taking time out to flirt in the middle of a close game struck a chord with fans on social media.
However, Sebastian the Ibis didn’t take long to respond. Taking to social media, the mascot decided to clear the air and provide his side of the story. In true mascot fashion, Sebastian humorously called out Wenskoski’s claim, denying that he was trying to hit on her during the game.
Sebastian’s response read: “I’ve got one job—cheer on my Canes. I don’t have time for distractions, especially when we’re in the middle of a game. Fake news!” The playful response from the mascot drew plenty of laughs and support from Miami fans, who rallied behind Sebastian and appreciated his effort to address the unexpected accusation.
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The exchange quickly became a trending topic, with fans from both teams weighing in on the lighthearted drama. Many praised Wenskoski for her sense of humor, while others sided with Sebastian, suggesting that the mascot was far too focused on supporting his team to be making moves on the sidelines.
Some even joked that the Hurricanes might have lost because Sebastian had his attention diverted, while others defended him, saying he was simply trying to bring some comic relief to an intense moment.
Sebastian the Ibis is no stranger to being in the spotlight. As the face of Miami athletics, the energetic and often mischievous mascot is well-known for his spirited antics during games. From hyping up the crowd to playfully interacting with fans, Sebastian has always been a beloved part of the Hurricanes’ game day experience. However, this incident was certainly one of the more unexpected moments for the iconic mascot.
Despite the amusing back-and-forth, the focus eventually returned to the game itself and Miami’s performance.
The Hurricanes put up a strong fight against Syracuse, but ultimately fell short, continuing what has been an up-and-down season for the team. Miami fans are hoping their mascot will be back on the sidelines, giving his all to rally the team without any further distractions in upcoming games.
As for Wenskoski, she appeared to take the mascot’s response in stride, sharing another post later on that read, “All in good fun, folks. Gotta love the passion of college football—even the mascots get involved!” Her comment helped to diffuse any tension, making it clear that the entire exchange was meant to be lighthearted.
In the end, the playful interaction between Wenskoski and Sebastian provided a much-needed moment of levity in an otherwise disappointing game for Miami.
It served as a reminder of the fun, unpredictable nature of college football and the personalities that make it such a beloved sport. Whether or not Sebastian was truly making a move, one thing is certain: the Hurricanes’ mascot will continue to be an integral part of the team’s spirit, keeping fans entertained both on and off the field.
