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RIP Rocco: Klay Thompson’s beloved dog dies at 13

Klay Thompson's dog, Rocco, died at the age of 13. The English bulldog was put down Saturday. Klay often referred to Rocco as his son.

Published on: May 30, 2025, 04:27:02 IST
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Klay Thompson's beloved English bulldog, Rocco, passed away at 13. Mychal Thompson, Klay’s father, shared the news on ESPN’s LA sports radio show "Mason & Ireland."

Klay Thompson's dog, Rocco, died at the age of 13. (X)
Klay Thompson's dog, Rocco, died at the age of 13. (X)

“As Mase and Ireland always say, when someone dear has departed, ‘Hail fellow well met,’” Thompson said. “We had to put Rocco, Klay’s dog, down over the weekend.”

He said the English bulldog was put down Saturday but that “it was time.”

“We were all sad, but Rocco had a great, long life. So today’s game is dedicated to the memory of our service men and women, and to Rocco,” he said.

Mychal then lead a lighthearted trivia segment about the dog.

Klay often referred to Rocco as his son. In 2014, while signing a $70 million contract extension with the Golden State Warriors, he asked general manager Bob Myers how much longer the process would take.

“We were trying to get the contract signed, and all he wanted to do was go home to his dog,” Myers recalled.

In 2022, when asked about Rocco, Klay shared that the bulldog would turn 10 on April 20.

“He was born in mid-April at some point, but to make things easier, I say the 20th,” he said at the time. “Easy date to remember and to be a 10-year-old bulldog, I’m very grateful for Rocco.”

Tributes -

Fans mourned Rocco’s passing on social media.

One wrote, “Damn. Mychal Thompson just said Klay had to send Rocco to doggy heaven last weekend. RIP Rocco the Bulldog.”

Another wrote, “I of course knew this day was coming but still dreaded it all the same. Seeing Klay/Rocco moments for like a decade always made my day. RIP Rocco.”

A third person added, “RIP Rocco. A warriors legend always.”

  • Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan

    Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan leads the US Desk at Hindustan Times, where she writes, strategises coverage, and ensures quality across all beats. With eight years of experience covering US news for leading publications, she has reported extensively on politics, entertainment, and sports. Vaishnavi holds a graduate degree in English, Journalism, and Psychology, and completed her PG Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the Manorama School of Communication, where she was awarded the prestigious Mammen Mappillai Award for Best Outgoing Student. She began her career at the International Business Times (US Edition), covering US breaking news, politics, and entertainment. She later joined Opoyi, reporting across all beats, including US sports and trending stories. Prior to Hindustan Times, she served as World Lead at Times Now News, covering comprehensive world news and events. Vaishnavi has expertise in politics, entertainment, and breaking news, and enjoys tackling stories across a wide range of topics. Beyond the newsroom, she is an avid traveller, a foodie who loves exploring new restaurants, and a pop culture enthusiast who enjoys watching latest shows and films. She also enjoys engaging in debates and discussions on Reddit.Read More

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