Statement on UW Marching Band/Detroit Lions incident

Lori Berquam, vice provost for student life and dean of students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and Mike Leckrone, director of the UW Marching Band, have issued the following statement:

“We were dismayed to hear reports of unprofessional and personal verbal attacks by a Detroit Lions player towards members of the University of Wisconsin Marching Band before the Packers vs. Lions game at Lambeau Field on Sunday, Oct. 6.

“Earlier today, we received a call from Lions president Tom Lewand. He has apologized for the actions of his player and has assured us that further discussion will take place. We appreciate the Lions’ efforts to investigate this further and are grateful to Mr. Lewand for his concern.

“Special opportunities such as playing before a Packers game are highlights for our band members: something they look forward to, and that we hope they will remember with pride. We are proud of the way members of the UW Band have brought this matter to our attention, and how they kept their focus on providing a great experience for the fans at Lambeau Field.”