Most Bengal Brass Basketball Band members did not know what was happening behind the scenes while they were playing the pregame music during a timeout in the Jan. 30 LSU Lady Tigers game against Baylor. The band’s impromptu performance during a tense game moment interrupted a scheduled Chase Bank time-out sponsorship, said Jenni Peters, promotions director. Several band members described confused and tense dialogue between band leaders and athletic administration officials.
A week later, several athletic administration officials and band leaders held a meeting to discuss changes in the band’s participation, Peters said. Band members are now asked to sit when not playing and remove their trash from the stands.
Herb Vincent, senior associate athletics director, described the situation as simply a “miscommunication” issue.
“I think the band is wonderful,” Vincent said. “This was just miscommunication between the band and marketing.”
Vincent said because band members are paid $20 for their participation, they are a part of “game operations” and must follow requested procedures. Vincent said if the band members consistently stand to cheer during the game, they will block certain ticket holders’ game view.
Roy King, Bengal Brass Basketball Band director, said the situation will not greatly affect the band.
“It wasn’t a big deal at all,” King said. “We played pregame during a timeout.”
King said during the meeting band officials agreed with the athletic administration about certain measures that should be taken.
“This is not disciplinary,” King said. “This is better for the fans and everyone.”
Carlo Malacon, business administration sophomore and trombone player, said the situation is “frustrating.”
“I don’t think it’s proper that we are being forced to sit down when the team needs us to give full support,” Malacon said.
Another situation occurred during the Feb. 12 LSU women’s basketball game.
Marcus Daniels, music junior and trombone player, said Assistant Athletics Director Eddie Nunez gave an “angry” speech to the Bengal Brass after several hot dog wrappers were thrown jokingly at other band members. Several other band members confirmed Daniels’ story but declined to comment.
Daniels said he “heard obscenities” and immediately confronted Nunez.
“He definitely said the word ‘shit,'” Daniels said. Several band members confirmed Nunez’s profanity use.
“I stopped him in his tracks,” Daniels said. “He was very unprofessional.”
Nunez adamantly denied swearing at band members.
“That is not true,” Nunez said. “I told the band that they are representatives of the Athletic Department and that they should act like it.”
Vincent said he stood next to Nunez and did not hear any inappropriate conduct.
“He did not direct any obscenities at the band,” Vincent said.
Nunez said he gave an initial warning to the individual who first threw the wrapper, but he addressed the entire band after additional wrappers were thrown. Daniels said he spoke with Nunez after the game, and Nunez apologized for his tone.
“It was appropriate for him to apologize,” Daniels said.
Daniels said Nunez mentioned sending an apology letter to the band, but it was never received. Nunez said he never agreed to apologize for confronting the band about the situation but instead offered to send a letter clarifying the object-throwing policy.
Nunez and Vincent referred to the public announcement at the beginning of every basketball game that includes a statement about throwing objects.
According to the statement, throwing objects is “strictly prohibited” and “violators will be ejected from the facility.”
“I tried to clear it up,” Nunez said. “But I’m not going to apologize for telling you not to throw something on the court.”
Daniels also expressed concern with the new policies.
“I don’t know why the changes are coming now,” Daniels said. “I don’t want to speculate. I’m all for change as long as there is a good motive behind it.”
Daniels said the original situation involving the pregame music playing shows the importance of the band.
“When we play pregame, you can immediately feel an atmosphere change,” Daniels said. “We should root on our team and get people excited.”
 
Contact Amy Brittain at [email protected]