ALLEN PARK (AP/CBS Detroit) — In a statement released by the team, Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola has apologized for making "inappropriate" remarks to the University of Wisconsin band during Sunday's game at Green Bay.
The Lions said Tuesday that Raiola called band director Michael Leckrone "to apologize for his actions on Sunday that involved band members." The team says Raiola also promised "a significant donation" to the band.
The band visited Lambeau Field to perform during and after the game, won by the Packers. Band members say Raiola verbally abused them, cursing and insulting them without provocation, including slurs about weight and sexuality. He allegedly called one woman a c***.
He also allegedly insulted one student's dead mother and sister. One of the band members posted a Facebook message calling Raiola the worst human being he's ever encountered.
"My interaction with the Wisconsin Marching Band was inappropriate," Raiola said in a statement released by the team. "I apologize to those I offended along with all of the members of Wisconsin's Marching Band.
"I also apologize to the Lions' organization and my teammates. I understand the standards to which we should conduct ourselves, and my actions Sunday fell dramatically short of those standards."
Witnesses claimed Raiola's comments included insults that included strong profanity as well as references to students' weight and sexuality.
The 13-year veteran is the longest-tenured member on the Lions roster. Lions president Tom Lewand says the team is "pleased that he has taken ownership of his actions and admitted those actions were wrong and unacceptable."
"We are aware of the reports involving Dominic Raiola and the University of Wisconsin Marching Band," the Lions organization stated in a press release Monday. "Those reports are extremely inconsistent with the standard of behavior we expect from our players and from every member of our organization. We currently are gathering more information and will respond further when appropriate."
(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
Raiola Issues Apology For Comments Toward Wisconsin Marching Band
/ CBS Detroit
ALLEN PARK (AP/CBS Detroit) — In a statement released by the team, Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola has apologized for making "inappropriate" remarks to the University of Wisconsin band during Sunday's game at Green Bay.
The Lions said Tuesday that Raiola called band director Michael Leckrone "to apologize for his actions on Sunday that involved band members." The team says Raiola also promised "a significant donation" to the band.
The band visited Lambeau Field to perform during and after the game, won by the Packers. Band members say Raiola verbally abused them, cursing and insulting them without provocation, including slurs about weight and sexuality. He allegedly called one woman a c***.
He also allegedly insulted one student's dead mother and sister. One of the band members posted a Facebook message calling Raiola the worst human being he's ever encountered.
"My interaction with the Wisconsin Marching Band was inappropriate," Raiola said in a statement released by the team. "I apologize to those I offended along with all of the members of Wisconsin's Marching Band.
"I also apologize to the Lions' organization and my teammates. I understand the standards to which we should conduct ourselves, and my actions Sunday fell dramatically short of those standards."
Witnesses claimed Raiola's comments included insults that included strong profanity as well as references to students' weight and sexuality.
The 13-year veteran is the longest-tenured member on the Lions roster. Lions president Tom Lewand says the team is "pleased that he has taken ownership of his actions and admitted those actions were wrong and unacceptable."
"We are aware of the reports involving Dominic Raiola and the University of Wisconsin Marching Band," the Lions organization stated in a press release Monday. "Those reports are extremely inconsistent with the standard of behavior we expect from our players and from every member of our organization. We currently are gathering more information and will respond further when appropriate."
(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
Related articles
In:- Detroit Lions
- Lambeau Field
- Green Bay Packers
Featured Local Savings
More from CBS News
Detroit Lions Fan Experience ready for kickoff during NFL draft
Transforming Hart Plaza into the ultimate fan experience during 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit
Downtown Detroit businesses, bars and restaurants counting down until NFL Draft
Metro Detroit football coach turns pain into purpose, encourages others to follow dreams