Lions center Dominic Raiola has bought his way out of trouble with a donation to the University of Wisconsin Marching Band.
Raiola, who was accused of making obscene and homophobic remarks toward the band while they performed at Sunday’s game against the Packers, issued an apology today.
“My interaction with the Wisconsin Marching Band was inappropriate,” Raiola said, via Tim Twentyman of the Lions’ website. “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.”
Lions President Tom Lewand confirmed that the Lions will not discipline Raiola.
“Due to Dominic’s sincere and appropriate response, there will be no additional disciplinary action by the team,” Lewand said. “We are also pleased that he is supporting his apology with a significant donation to the Wisconsin Marching Band Fund.”
There’s no word on how much money Raiola’s “significant” contribution was. Raiola has twice previously been fined, first $7,500 and then $15,000, for inappropriate actions toward fans.