Only greeks haze? Yeah, right? Entire UW Band Suspended
 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200....ap/index.html

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The University of Wisconsin marching band has been suspended indefinitely while allegations of hazing, alcohol abuse and sexual misconduct are investigated.

The band won't play Saturday during a nationally televised football game between the No. 18 Badgers and No. 14 Ohio State at Camp Randall Stadium.

The university made the announcement at a hastily called news conference Friday night, saying the behavior is consistent with conduct that put the band on probation in 2006.

Mike Leckrone, band director since 1969, said he made the decision and it was the first time in his tenure the entire band has ever been suspended and prevented from playing at a game.

Leckrone said he informed the 300 band members at 4:30 p.m. Friday.

"My feeling was I hit them between the eyes with a sledgehammer," he said.

No details were immediately released about the behavior, only that it involved inappropriate alcohol use, hazing and sexualized behavior. Leckrone said it involved only a small number of band members, but it was significant enough to warrant the suspension.

He and Dean of Students Lori Berquam refused to discuss any details while the investigation by Berquam's office is ongoing.

The band will practice again starting Tuesday with the understanding that it will not perform again until the investigation is done, Leckrone said.

Penalties for students who violate the university's code of conduct range from a reprimand to expulsion, Berquam said.

It's the latest in a series of high profile problems for the band.

In 2000 the university established a written code of conduct for the band.

In February 2007 the marching band's assistant director Michael Lorenz resigned after an internal report criticized his treatment of a female colleague during a rowdy band trip to Michigan in 2006.

Reports of band members' hazing, alcohol use and inappropriate sexual behavior prompted the university to put the band on probation after the trip.

Then-Chancellor John Wiley threatened band members with losing performance and travel privileges.

Wiley, in an October 2006 letter to Leckrone, called band members' behavior "boorish to patently dangerous and unlawful."

At that time, seminude band members were alleged to have danced suggestively and there were reports of women being forced to kiss other women to be allowed to enter bathrooms on a bus.

The university said in a statement that the latest allegations were consistent with the 2006 troublesome behavior.

The award-winning band has a storied tradition on campus and a special place in the hearts of Badgers fans.

Leckrone said he believed the latest allegations breached the band's code of conduct and warranted a swift and significant response.

"I don't think it would be appropriate for me just to ignore it," he said.

On the note of non-Greek hazing - ttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7646891.stm

i know of a few bands who haze. i swear, is there anything left to participate in that doesnt require you getting your azz kicked? i marched and nothing like that went on, they have rituals that are followed but nothing that would ever hurt anyone at any time. this is just ridiculous.

and trust and believe, there is hazing going on in high school team sports, dance teams you name it.

At Ohio State, the band practices alone feel like hazing. But, everyone has to do it, so its not hazing. One of my sisters was in the band (rare in the 80s), and she was dead tired after every practice.

So I guess TBDBITL will be the only band on the field tonight.

I was wondering if the UW Band would clean itself up after 2006. Apparently not. The marching band and Mike Leckrone is really an institution at UW, and this will be really a big deal that they faced real consequences for their behavior. I think this great that the university and the band director are continuing to be tough on this issue.

I agree. That's what I always said- that I witnessed way more hazing on high school sports teams than I ever did as a member of a GLO in college.

Thank you for the link; that was an interesting read.

I attended university in the UK as a postgrad and I recall the student newspaper running an article on the athletics union initiation night complete with photos of partial nudity, vomit, and drunkenness.

.....Kelly :)

So...does anyone have any idea about WHAT they did? The article was very vague.

That article is disturbing.

A student's friend dies from these practices, and he essentially says, "These initiation ceremonies should still go on, but with supervision." That's sad.

They're purposely keeping it really vague. No one (except those involved) has any idea beyond what they say....

The game was strange. It was so quiet.

I know! And 5th Quarter and half-time were so sad.....

They won't be approved to play another game until these investigations are completed and we have Penn State at home next weekend. :(

This was the best part of the game. http://www.truveo.com/Ohio-State-Pla.../id/2861444267

I didn't see that! I love it! He's having so much fun!

My friends from OSU came in for the game and died of happiness when they finally got to do Jump Around.

This picture was one of the saddest parts:
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/o...ledpicture.png

Band Director Mike Leckrone observing the game for the first time in 40 years.
Here's the article from the Badger Herald about the suspension of the band...
http://badgerherald.com/news/2008/10...egations_l.php
(Sorry for the hijack about the game!.)

Another UW Article about it:

http://www.dailycardinal.com/article/20719

Your pic doesn't work.