NIU linebacker suspended for contact with Rocket band member

11/2/2011

Northern Illinois has suspended freshman linebacker Jamaal Bass for the Huskies' game at Bowling Green on Nov. 8 after he made contact with a member of the Rocket Marching Band as his team entered the field before Tuesday night's game with the University of Toledo at the Glass Bowl.

On a replay of the incident shown on ESPN2, Bass can be seen jumping shoulder-first into the face of a marching band performer and knocking over another as the Huskies ran onto the field just as the band was exiting.

“After reviewing the tape of [Tuesday] night’s pregame encounter between our team and the University of Toledo’s marching band, and discussing the situation with [NIU athletic director] Jeff Compher, we have decided to suspend Jamaal for our next game,” NIU coach Dave Doeren said in a statement. “His actions were not representative of the Huskie football program. I met with Jamaal early [Wednesday] morning, and he understands that and is extremely remorseful.

”I want to publicly apologize to the Rocket Marching Band and to the University of Toledo. We are embarrassed at what occurred and take full responsibility for the situation. I will do whatever is necessary to ensure that something like this never happens again.”

Compher added that he has been in contact with Mid-American Conference officials and has made them aware of the actions taken by Northern Illinois.

“I want to add my sincere apologies to the Rocket Marching Band and the entire University of Toledo community on behalf of Huskie athletics and Northern Illinois University,” Compher said.