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Reports: Miami fans attacked Florida marching band after game, director slammed to ground
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Despite not playing every season, Miami and Florida maintain a fiery rivalry whenever the two teams faceoff. However, this story from Saturday’s 24-20 win by the Gators is a troubling one.
According to a report from CollegeMarching.com, the Florida marching band was “in their parade order marching to their buses after the game outside of the stadium when a group of University of Miami fans tried to push their way into the band block. The Director of the Gator Band, Dr. Jay Watkins, saw the group and ran towards them to help stop the altercation.”
The report went on to say that Dr. Watkins was placed in a chokehold by the fans before slamming the concrete and hitting his head. Another member of the band was allegedly punched in the face and had a bloody nose.
The following Facebook post from Florida State music professor and Director of Bands, Patrick Dunnigan, also describes the incident:
https://www.facebook.com/patrick.dunnigan.75/posts/2544297598926389
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.