National Football League
Did Raiola taunt Wisconsin band?
National Football League

Did Raiola taunt Wisconsin band?

Published Oct. 7, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

Dominic Raiola is doing his best to live up to every jock stereotype ever written into a TV show or movie according to one blog, which reports that the Detroit Lions center berated members of the Wisconsin band Sunday at Lambeau Field.

On his NFL scouting blog, Tom Melton writes that Raiola told a group of Wisconsin tuba players that they "sucked" and called them vulgar names as they prepared to play the national anthem before the Packers' 22-9 win over the Lions.

"[A] band member told me Raiola was yelling at him, saying such things such as 'Hey fat guy, you want a hot dog?'" writes Melton.

"When this band member did not acknowledge him, he continued to yell at other band members within earshot of him until the band began to play. A third band member told me Raiola was calling a band member near him a 'fat f--k' prior to their pregame performance as well."

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Melton also shared this Facebook status written by a Wisconsin band member, which describes more of Raiola's alleged verbal abuse:

As of yet, there has been no confirmation or denial from Raiola regarding his comments, but if true — and Melton reports that Raiola's teammate Louis Delmas apologized to the band over the incident — the former Nebraska standout sure comes out looking like quite the bully.

The Lions acted swiftly and released the following statement:

“We are aware of the reports involving Dominic Raiola and the University of Wisconsin Marching Band.

“Those reports are extremely inconsistent with the standard of behavior we expect from our players and from every member of our organization.

“We currently are gathering more information aughnd will respond further when appropriate.”

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