This One Time at Band Camp, We Hazed a Guy to Death

Robert Champion died of internal bleeding when he was beaten to death on a school bus by his marching band mates in what is reported to be a hazing ritual. The ritual involves walking from the front of the bus to the back and getting punched by all the band members. Hazing was required because marching band is serious bizness you guys.

From WTSP here:

It was supposed to be the show-stopping performance of a lifetime by Florida A & M University’s Marching 100 in Orlando at the Florida Classic. But before it was all over, 26-year-old drum major Robert Champion was dead of internal bleeding.

Champion collapsed in November 2011 following what prosecutors say was a savage beating during a hazing ritual. It happened on a bus parked in a hotel parking lot after Florida A & M played Bethune-Cookman in their annual rivalry game.

On Monday, 12 band members were charged with manslaughter in the case. Ten band members were charged last May with third-degree felony hazing for Champion’s death.

Champion loved the band so much that his parents thought it was a fitting tribute to have them marched at his funeral. Friends and fellow band members say he loved playing the clarinet, loved being a drum major, and loved being a Rattler.

Obama should put a stop to assault trombones. Seriously, if it would save just one life, he has the duty to try.