The University of Wisconsin has suspended its entire band from performing following hazing allegations

Band director Mike Leckrone suspended all 300 members of the band from performing having heard allegations pertaining to consumption of alcohol and inappropriate sexual behavior.  He didn’t specify what sort of sexual behavior was considered appropriate for band-members.

Leckrone said he believed only a small percentage of the band members were involved in the alledged incidents, but said the members had a "shared responsibility" to behave appropriately.  "You don’t have any idea how hard it was," he said. "It was like I can remember my father saying, ‘This is going to hurt me more than it’s going to hurt you.’"

It’s a good thing that Mr Leckrone pursued a career in music rather than the law.  On the strength of an unproven allegation about the behavior of a few people he has punished 300!  If the police operated the same way he would be in jail every-time his neighbor was caught DWI.

Having said that, the band do seem to have a colorful history.

In October 2006, the University of Wisconsin put the band on probation following semi-nude dancing and sexualized banter during a road trip to the University of Michigan.

Before that, previous allegations include hazing female band-members by having them suck on a sex toy and forcing female band-members to kiss each other before they were allowed access to the bathroom.

See the Badger Band in action here.

News stories

At Wisconsin, Band Is Silent for Big Game
New York Times, United States – 14 hours ago
The Wisconsin marching band has been suspended indefinitely while allegations of hazing, alcohol abuse and sexual misconduct are investigated. …

Wisconsin band suspended for Ohio State game
ESPN 
Camp Randall Stadium will be somewhat quieter Saturday night after Wisconsin announced its marching band won’t play at the Ohio State game as an …

Wisconsin Band Director Not A Fan Of Sex Toys
Deadspin, NY 
The University of Wisconsin marching band has been suspended amid rumors of hazing, alcohol abuse and sexual misconduct. That’s right. The whole band. …

CONTINUING COVERAGE: UW Band will miss it’s first home game in 40 …
WKOW-TV.com, WI 
27 News has learned the entire UW Marching Band has been suspended. That means, no band for the game against Ohio State. …