Chicken Lays An Egg: $1 Million Suit Filed -- Bulls' Cheerleader Sues Over Injuries

CHICAGO - A cheerleader for the Chicago Bulls is seeking $1 million in damages from The Famous Chicken, claiming the feathered character broke her jaw and elbow when he tackled her during a game.

Kimberly A. Smith, a dancer for the LuvaBulls, filed suit Tuesday in Cook County Circuit Court against Ted Giannoulas, formerly known as the San Diego Chicken.

The lawsuit claims Smith's injuries have prevented her from performing, and that she still wears a braces-like device because of the injury.

Smith was performing a dance routine at the Jan. 11 game when Giannoulas grabbed her, threw her to the floor and rolled over on her, the lawsuit claims. He had been warned to stay away from the dancers while they performed, it says.

"One of the tragic things, not only does she miss the rest of the season, but the Bulls went on to win the championship," said Victor Ciardelli, Smith's attorney. "She was very upset."

Giannoulas could not be reached for comment.