National Football League

Lions center Dominic Raiola apologizes, makes 'significant contribution' to marching band

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 2:07 a.m. ET

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By Sam Gardner, FOXSports.com Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola found himself the target of the Internet’s fury on Monday, when a report accused the 13-year veteran of making vulgar and homophobic remarks toward members of the Wisconsin marching band before a game against the Packers. The Lions responded swiftly, stating that they were aware of the accusations and were gathering more information on what happened — and apparently they determined that whatever they found could be expunged from Raiola’s record if he’d open up his checkbook to the band he insulted. On the Lions' website, Tim Twentyman writes that Raiola personally apologized to band director Michael Leckrone and made a "significant" donation to Wisconsin's marching band. "My interaction with the Wisconsin Marching Band was inappropriate," Raiola said in a statement released by the team. "I apologize to those I offended along with all of the members of Wisconsin’s Marching Band. "I also apologize to the Lions’ organization and my teammates. I understand the standards to which we should conduct ourselves, and my actions Sunday fell dramatically short of those standards." The Lions didn’t specify how “significant” Raiola’s donation was, but hopefully it was heftier than the $7,500 fine he received in 2008 after flicking off some hecklers during a loss to the Vikings and the $15,000 he was docked for hurling obscene language and a middle finger at a Miami Dolphins fan. However much it was, Raiola’s contribution was enough to convince Lions president Tom Lewand that he had been punished enough and learned his lesson. "After investigating the matter and discussing Sunday’s events with Dominic, we are pleased that he has taken ownership of his actions and admitted those actions were wrong and unacceptable," Lewand said in a statement. "Due to Dominic’s sincere and appropriate response, there will be no additional disciplinary action by the team."

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