This One Time at Band Camp: Wisconsin’s Marching Band gets Suspended
October 4, 2008 by Allison Boyer
Filed under Football
Wisconsin announced last night that they were suspended the band – the entire band – indefinitely. They’re investigating all members on allegations of hazing, alcohol abuse, and sexual misconduct. Eek.
Mike Leckron, the band director, made the decision along with university officials, after realizing that they were repeating behaviors that put them on probation in 2006. Leckron says that not everyone was involved, but until they get to the bottom of who was involved, the band will not perform.
In 2006, the borderline-illegal activities all surrounded a rowdy band trip. They allegedly were dancing with little clothing, as well as making women kiss other women before being allowed to enter the bathroom on the bus.
Does this have an impact on the football game? Definitely. The band is part of the whole college football atmosphere, and when you’re team isn’t supported, the entire mood is changed. I’m not saying that lack of a band could cause a team to lose, but it definitely could contribute to a loss.
Some band members will be giving a warning, while others may face expulsion. So yeah, this is serious. While I do think that a little hazing never hurt anyone, sometimes it is taken too far, which sounds like the case here. Hopefully, investigators will get to the bottom of things quickly so that the innocent members can get back to supporting the Badgers.
Pictures via Newscom.
