Wisconsin Marching Band Suspended

The University of Wisconsin marching band did not perform at this weekend's game against Ohio State after longtime band director Mike Leckrone suspended the group for allegations of hazing during last week's trip to the University of Michigan, the Daily Cardinal reports. Details of the allegations are sparse, with officials suggesting they involved alcohol abuse and “inappropriate sexual behavior.”

Saturday was the first time in 40 years—the length of Leckrone's tenure—that the band did not perform at a home football game. The suspension was handed down Friday afternoon and will continue until the investigation is complete.

Leckrone said the allegations were similar to the ones from 2006, which also occurred on the Michigan trip. Two years ago, then chancellor John Wiley put the band on probation after allegations surfaced that "female band members were forced to kiss each other to gain access to the bus bathroom, at least one member had his head shaved against his will, and at least one female member was forced to mimic fellatio on a sex toy," the Badger Herald reports.

Since the 2006 probation, the band has participated in mentoring sessions and meetings to discuss appropriate behavior. But, as Leckrone says, "obviously, we still need to do more.”