Rice Apologizes for their Band Mocking Baylor’s Sex Scandal

Friday night’s game between the Baylor Bears and Rice Owls wasn’t completely uneventful.  The Rice Marching Owl Band or MOB got the attention it so deserved from some Baylor fans at halftime. Rice released a statement following the band’s halftime performance…

The Rice MOB is known for its tradition of satirizing the scandals and events of the opponents its team faces. In this week’s satirical display, the MOB’s halftime performance took aim at the Baylor Bears’ recent off the field sexual assault allegations.

While Baylor fans in the stands enjoyed their 38-10 victory over the Rice Owls, the halftime show may have gone a bit too far. The halftime entertainment provided by the Rice MOB may have rubbed some Baylor fans the wrong way.

The MOB performed directly in front of the Baylor visitor’s section.

The symbolism was apparent. First, the MOB formed a “IX” symbol. The “IX” symbolized the sexual assault allegations Baylor faced this offseason. The allegations led to the firing of head coach Art Briles.

Then, the MOB formed a “star” symbol, meant to symbolize the firing of former Baylor president Ken Starr. While forming a star, the band played the tune “Hit the Road Jack”.

There was even an angry reaction where a Baylor fan went and confronted the MOB.

It got enough attention from the media and press as well. Today, Rice released the following statement regarding the band’s performance:

While the MOB’s role as a form art and entertainment is important, more review is necessary going forward. They are known for using their halftime shows to make light of scandalous situations. Rice administrators may need to start previewing performances first or face worse situations.