Jaguars apologize for mascot’s attempt at Ebola humor

Ebola jokes are not funny.

Not even when a cute, cuddly NFL mascot is making the joke.

The Jacksonville Jaguars issued an apology Monday morning after their mascot, Jaxson DeVille, was photographed holding a sign during Sunday's game against Pittsburgh somehow linking the deadly disease to Steelers' fans beloved Terrible Towels.

The photo went viral on social media, with many people finding no humor in an outbreak in West Africa that, as of the end of September, is suspected to have reached more than 6,500 cases and 3,091 fatalities. One case has been reported in the U.S.

"Improvisation and humor have both been key elements to the character of Jaxson DeVille, especially when he performs at home games," Jaguars President Mark Lamping said in a statement. "On Sunday, the person who has played Jaxson DeVille over the past 20 seasons made an extremely poor decision in that regard. The team was unaware of this inappropriate sign, which was hand-made by Jaxson during the fourth quarter of yesterday’s game, until after it had been displayed. We are handling the matter internally and taking it very seriously. We extend our sincerest apologies to anyone who was offended."

According to ESPN, a man named Curtis Dvorak has played Jaxson DeVille for all 18 years of the character's existence.

Twitter: @chewkiii