Artist Removes Tattoos From Larry Bird

Former NBA star objected to additions
By Bob Cronin,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 25, 2019 10:46 AM CDT
Artist Removes Tattoos From Larry Bird
The original version of a mural of former NBA star Larry Bird is seen on the side of a multifamily residence in Indianapolis on Wednesday. Bird liked everything but the tattoos.   (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Larry Bird was surprised to see his tattoos in a mural painted on the side of a building in Indianapolis. The spider web tattoo on his left shoulder, the dagger on his right cheek, "Hoosier" on his neck—and more—don't exist on the real Larry Bird. So the retired NBA great's lawyer struck a deal with the street artist, Jules Muck, the Indianapolis Star reports. The tattoos are gone now, except for the "Indiana" on an arm and the street artist's "Muck Rock" signature, which was moved from inside a heart on Bird's right bicep.

"I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feeling and or 'brand' so I’m flexible," Muck said in a statement, per RTVG. Artistic license had also included added "76" on Bird's right upper arm, a shamrock on his left bicep, a basketball on a palm, "Bird" on his fingers, a cardinal on one cheek, and mating bunnies on his right arm. The Star shows the revised version. "This is another human being that is obviously not liking it," Muck said. "If he was happy and thought it was funny, that's a different story." (Ariana Grande's tattoo needed a tweak.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X