Bernie the Brewer Arrested for Sixth DUI; Brewers Turn to Triple-A Mascot

By Joe Fernandez

MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Brewers' rocky start to the season took another turn this week as the team’s beloved mascot, Bernie the Brewer, was arrested and charged with his sixth DUI.

“We are disappointed in Bernie’s actions, which continue to tarnish the Brewers franchise,” general manager Matt Arnold said in a statement. “He is currently on administrative leave. We hope he receives the help he needs and will revisit his status as mascot following a full internal investigation.”

In the meantime, the team has called up Donny the Designated Driver, mascot for the Brewers’ Triple-A affiliate, to take over mascot duties temporarily.

Bernie’s struggle with alcohol has reportedly stemmed from the team’s Game 7 loss in the 2018 National League Championship Series. Since then, his arrests have coincided with postseason losses in 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2024.

Body camera footage from the most recent incident reportedly shows an emotional and intoxicated Bernie lamenting the team’s opening weekend sweep by the New York Yankees and criticizing the organization’s front office. He also made inappropriate remarks about immigrants before failing a breathalyzer test, police said.

In a written statement, Bernie apologized for his actions.

“It’s been a hard six years being affiliated with the Brewers franchise,” he wrote. “From the Juan Soto line drive that Trent Grisham misplayed to the Pete Alonso home run off arguably the best closer in baseball. Not to mention trading Corbin Burnes, Josh Hader, Devin Williams, and letting Willy Adames walk in free agency. What’s a fella supposed to do but drink, don’t ya know?”

Local fans were largely sympathetic. In Wisconsin, where 25% of residents self-identify as alcoholics and 41 of the 50 heaviest-drinking counties are located, according to 24/7 Wall Street, some considered Bernie’s behavior unsurprising.

“Oh sure, I mean, how else ya supposed to get home from da bar if ya don’t drive?” said Bart Farley, a Milwaukee resident. “Driving home a little buzzed is frowned upon in most places, but here it’s a rite of passage. Your first time doing it is called a Wisconsin Bar Mitzvah.”

Brewers' leadership hopes Donny the Designated Driver can restore dignity to the role.

“It is a position of respect, class, and decorum to be the person going down a yellow slide in front of anywhere from 15,000 to 30,000 people,” a team representative said. “We want it to be held by someone who can bring credibility back to the position.”

Pat McAfee continues to stir the pot. The Steelers may have a QB. LeBron thinks Brian is weird. NFL owners gathered in Florida. A Hawks fan embarrassed himself. The NBA is investigating gun violence on the court.

Bernie has also faced internal discipline for alleged inappropriate behavior while intoxicated. Former players Geoff Jenkins, Ben Sheets, and Prince Fielder accused the mascot of making lewd comments in the clubhouse.

“We can no longer remain silent on Bernie the Brewer’s appalling actions,” said Jenkins, a former Brewers outfielder.

Since those allegations surfaced, 37 more anonymous players have come forward with similar accounts, alleging Bernie stared at them while showering and made inappropriate remarks.

Despite the controversy, Bernie has received support from former mascots, including the San Diego Chicken.

“We all have our demons,” the Chicken said. “In the ’70s, I was always coked up, missing games to take private jets with Ron Jeremy to Studio 54. There’s a price that comes with the fame and glamour of being a cartoonish mascot. We just hope this is the wake-up call Bernie needs.”

Others have been less sympathetic. Gritty, the Philadelphia Flyers mascot, issued a passionate statement.

“WE ALL WORK SO HARD TO BRING DIGNITY TO THIS JOB!” he yelled before biting a hockey stick in half. “IF WE DON’T HOLD OURSELVES TO A HIGHER STANDARD, THEN ANYONE COULD BE A MASCOT!” He then reportedly screamed into the air for 27 seconds and ran through a brick wall.

Bernie is reportedly in a rehab facility in Malibu, sponsored by comedian John Mulaney, in hopes of receiving a seventh chance.

Meanwhile, additional drama has surfaced in the Brewers’ Sausage Race clubhouse, where the Italian Sausage is accused of making culturally insensitive remarks toward the Polish Sausage, involving a joke about ice cubes, light bulbs, and problem-solving.

The Italian Sausage was ordered to attend sensitivity training and said, “This never would’ve happened before we had a Chorizo on our squad.”

The Brewers have not commented further, as team officials are reportedly focused on developing a torpedo bat.

End of the Bench will have more on this story after we suck it up and drive home.

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