Wisconsin band suspended Saturday

Oct 4, 2008 - 4:41 PM MADISON, Wisconsin (Ticker) -- Wisconsin will not have the support of its band Saturday night when it takes on Ohio State in a Big Ten clash.

The Badgers' band was suspended Friday due to serious hazing allegations.

Band director Mike Leckrone would not say what the hazing allegations were or when the incidents occurred, but said they were alcohol related and involved "inappropriate sexual behavior."

"I just thought the allegations were enough that there needed to be some action right away," Leckrone said.

The announcement came one day before the 17th-ranked Badgers were set to face the 12th-ranked Buckeyes.

It will mark the first time in at least 40 years that the band won't play a halftime show at Madison.

In the absence of the band, the athletic department is making plans to put together a patchwork of recorded music, videos and other college game updates to fill the pregame, halftime and postgame show.