Jim Rome instantly became the enemy of every marching band in the world after posting one disrespectful tweet. The CBS Sports Radio personality made a generalization of band members everywhere, calling them "dorks" and sparking immediate backlash via social media with #MarchOnRome. The Washington Post picked up on the tweet, which has since been deleted, during the Ohio State-Alabama Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1.
"Is there anyone not in a marching band who thinks those dorks running around with their instruments are cool," Rome tweeted. The marching band community erupted.
That moment @jimrome became public enemy #1 of bands across the world. You messed with the wrong dorks. #MarchOnRome pic.twitter.com/Q6BBYD8ios
— CollegeMarchingBands (@CollegeMarching) January 2, 2015
@jimrome would never have the dedication and discipline it takes to rehearse in the snow for two hours. #MarchOnRome pic.twitter.com/U8j3xGUpk1 — Abigail Johnson (@AbigailsJoy) January 2, 2015
Damn right we are cool @jimrome. Even the football players want to join. #MarchOnRome pic.twitter.com/tKMPRpBI45
— Shawn Izadi (@ShawnIzadi) January 2, 2015
The host was quick to apologize, taking to Twitter yesterday to make amends.
Band nation - I hear you. I was out of line. I apologize. I do not condone bullying of any kind and that was not my intent. — Jim Rome (@jimrome) January 2, 2015
The remarks even prompted one band enthusiast to start a petition to have the Drum Corps International World Championships televised. It received more than 25,000 supporters.
Unfortunately, sports networks rarely show halftime performances, so some fans are missing out elaborate shows that turn pop hits into extravaganzas. Florida State's marching band didn't look like dorks when they nailed the dance to Beyoncé's "Single Ladies."
