K-State fans stand by marching band after halftime show
MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Fans have started an online fundraising campaign to support the Kansas State University marching band, which drew criticism over its halftime show at a football game.
The school said band director Frank Tracz will miss a November game and that university officials also must approve future halftime shows. The college added that it will pay a self-imposed $5,000 fine after the Big 12 Conference warned of potential sportsmanship and ethical conduct violations.
Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby said the problem with the band's routine was the use of another school's mascot.
The controversy erupted after Saturday's space-themed halftime show during the team's home opener against South Dakota. One formation featured the Kansas State band forming the University of Kansas mascot and a phallic-looking Starship Enterprise crashing into it.
Tracz said in statement that "there was absolutely no intent to display anything other than the Enterprise and the Jayhawk in battle."
Supporter Sarah Brinkley has started a crowdfunding account seeking donations with for the band, The Manhattan Mercury reported. As of noon Thursday, the account had raised nearly $13,000.
