Detroit Lions president Tom Lewand apologized on behalf of the team to the University of Wisconsin Marching Band Monday after center Dominic Raiola was accused of verbally abusing members of the band before the Lions game with the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
According to Rob Schultz and Dan Simmons of the Wisconsin State Journal, Lewand apologized to director Mike Leckrone after the team released a statement Monday saying they were investigating the incident.
Raiola was accused by members of the band for verbal abuse after he allegedly hurled insults at the band that contained profanities and even questioned the sexuality of some members of the group. The Lions are still investigating the altercation but Lewand felt the need to reach out to the band.
“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.”
Leckrone intended to relay the Lewand’s apology to the band on Tuesday.