Detroit Lions President Tom Lewand apologized to the University of Wisconsin-Madison after allegations surfaced that Lions center Dominic Raiola verbally assaulted members of the UW-Madison Marching Band Sunday during the band’s annual trip to Lambeau Field.
Raiola, a nine-year NFL veteran, Lions captain and University of Nebraska alum, hurled several homophobic and misogynistic slurs at members of the band before they played the National Anthem and during halftime of the Lions-Packers game Sunday, according to a junior student band member who preferred to remain unnamed.
The Lions fined Raiola $7,500 in 2008 for an obscene hand gesture directed at Minnesota Vikings fans and $15,000 in 2010 for another hand gesture and several obscene comments directed at Miami Dolphins fans. Raiola has not apologized for either incident.
The Lions released a statement Monday explaining that reports of Raiola’s behavior were “extremely inconsistent with the standard of behavior we expect from our players,” and they are “gathering more information and will respond further when appropriate.”
Lions head coach Jim Schwartz echoed this sentiment at a press conference Monday.
“That’s certainly not the character that we want to display,” Schwartz said. “If it did happen, we’d be very disappointed in that behavior.”
When asked about the incident at practice Monday, Raiola claimed the incident was “blown way out of proportion,” and that his team “had more important things to worry about,” according to a Sports Illustrated report.
Zach York, who was one of the targets of Raiola’s comments, wrote a Facebook status describing the incident that went viral after the game. In less than 24 hours, more than 400 people shared the status.
In a joint statement, Dean of Students Lori Berquam and UW-Madison Marching Band Director Michael Leckrone announced they were “dismayed to hear reports of unprofessional and personal verbal attacks.” Lewand called the band personally to apologize for his player’s actions and assured them further discussion over Raiola will take place.
Raiola’s younger brother, Donovan Raiola, is a former center of the UW-Madison football team. During his time with the Badgers, Donovan was awarded the Rimington Trophy twice for best collegiate center.
Several band members declined to comment over the incident, one citing an order from the marching band to direct media inquiries to band officials.
