Raiola apologizes, makes contribution to UW marching band

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola spoke on the phone with University of Wisconsin Marching Band Director Mike Leckrone on Tuesday, October 8th and apologized for his actions on Sunday that involved band members at Lambeau Field.

Raiola indicated he was "making a significant donation to The Marching Band Fund," which supports Wisconsin's marching band.

Raiola also issued the following statement: “My interaction with the Wisconsin Marching Band was inappropriate. I apologize to those I offended along with all of the members of Wisconsin’s Marching Band. I also apologize to the Lions’ organization and my teammates. I understand the standards to which we should conduct ourselves, and my actions Sunday fell dramatically short of those standards.”

Detroit Lions President Tom Lewand also issued a statement on Tuesday. He said, "After investigating the matter and discussing Sunday’s events with Dominic, we are pleased that he has taken ownership of his actions and admitted those actions were wrong and unacceptable. As we said yesterday, his actions were not reflective of the standard of behavior that we expect from any player or any member of our organization. We are also pleased that he is supporting his apology with a significant donation to the Wisconsin Marching Band Fund. Due to Dominic’s sincere and appropriate response, there will be no additional disciplinary action by the team.”

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