TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M University’s famed Marching 100 band, which has performed at Super Bowls and entertained presidents, may not be playing anytime soon and the university is weighing options for the coming football season.
More than four months after the band was suspended following the death of drum major Robert Champion, the band’s fate remains in limbo.
University trustees heard a lengthy presentation on Wednesday about a more than $1 million deficit in the school’s athletic program. It was during that discussion that FAMU officials acknowledged they are looking at offering other entertainment at football games in case the popular band remains on hiatus.
President James Ammons suspended the band after Champion died following what police said was hazing while the band was in Orlando.
No arrests have yet been made in connection with Champion’s death although authorities turned over the results of their investigation last month to the state attorney’s office.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement also has an ongoing investigation into how the band’s finances were handled. An FDLE spokeswoman said earlier this week that investigation is still ongoing.
The Marching 100 band has been one of the main attractions for years at FAMU Rattlers football games.
