Detroit Lions president Tom Lewand apologized to University of Wisconsin band director Mike Leckrone on Monday after Lions center Dominic Raiola hurled insults toward the band members prior to Sunday's game between the Packers and the Lions, according to the Wisconsin State Journal.
Lions president apologizes to Wisconsin band for Dominic Raiola comments
The investigation is ongoing, but the Lions president realized an apology was in order.
USA TODAY Sports
Raiola’s comments, which were first reported and detailed by Tom Melton, included insults about band members’ weight and sexuality. Leckrone described the incident for SB Nation on Monday.
“My kids were standing in the end zone, waiting to perform, when they were subjected to some pretty strong verbal abuse,” Michael Leckrone, director of bands for the University of Wisconsin told SB Nation.
“They were highly intimidated by it, by a 295-pound lineman saying those things to a 165-pound clarinet player,” Leckrone added.
Upon learning about the comments, the Lions said they were looking into the incident. Although the investigation is not yet complete, Lewand reportedly told Leckrone he had learned enough that he thought an apology was in order.
Here is what Leckrone told the Wisconsin State Journal.
“He said that he hadn’t fully investigated but he knew enough that an apology was due,” Leckrone said. “I thought it was a heartfelt and welcomed gesture.”
Raiola has spent his entire career with the Lions since being drafted in 2001. It remains to be seen if the Lions will take any disciplinary action.
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