redwanreza: Florida Classic returns to Citrus Bowl

রবিবার, ১৮ নভেম্বর, ২০১২

Florida Classic returns to Citrus Bowl

ORLANDO --?

Thousands of people are in Orlando for the 33rd annual Florida Blue Florida Classic.

But this year, for the first time in more than 50 years, FAMU fans will be cheering only for the football team, and not the famed Marching 100 band when the Rattlers take on the Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats.

The band has been sidelined after the hazing death of drum major Robert Champion following last year?s Florida Classic.

Fourteen band members were charged in Champion?s death, with 12 facing felonies. Brian Jones, the first defendant in the deadly hazing case, was sentenced last month to six months of community control, followed by two years of probation.

In May, FAMU's longtime band director, Julian White, unexpectedly announced his retirement. Two months later, university President James H. Ammons resigned.

The school's Board of Trustees issued no confidence votes for both of them.

Since their departures, current university leaders have promoted one of the most comprehensive anti-hazing programs in the country.

?Safety is one of our number one priorities,? said Dr. Larry Robinson, FAMU?s interim president. ?We don?t want anyone to have to worry about whether or not their sons and daughters have to worry about their safety as opposed to focusing their time and efforts on being the best student that they can.?

The plan was unveiled in June 2011. The following January, membership intake in student organizations was briefly suspended until new requirements were set in place.

When the fall semester began, students were required to attend interactive town hall meetings where hazing experts could answer their questions about old traditions that many thought were all right, but actually are not.

In 2013, students will have to sign a pledge not to participate in hazing of any kind before signing up for classes.

Champion's family has sued the university over their son's death.

Meanwhile, less attendees are expected for Saturday's game. According to Florida Citrus Sports, the upper bowl will be closed because of the lack of ticket sales.

Kickoff is set for 2 p.m Saturday.