Dominic Raiola of the Lions Allegedly Verbally Abused Wisconsin Band Members at Packers Game [UPDATE]

Dominic Raiola, the Detroit Lions center, allegedly was verbally abusive to Wisconsin band members who were at Lambeau Field prior to the National Anthem. Zach York, one of the band members, wrote the following on his Facebook page Sunday night:

" Dominic Raiola is literally the worst person I have ever had the fortune to encounter. After marching down the field awaiting the national anthem, He went off on a verbal tirade, among other things, questioning my sexuality (as a band member) and then continued on to bring my sister and my recently deceased mother into the conversation. After I refused to give him the satisfaction of turning to look at him, he switched targets to a trombone ranting at him calling him overweight and saying he can’t play a real sport. After our halftime show, the same fine gentleman called a female member of the band the “c” word."

Talking trash on the field to opponents is one thing; talking trash to band members before the game to psych yourself up? Really? This might be a new low for Raiola, who has had two prior run-ins with fans, once in 2008 (the year the Lions went 0-16) and 2009, when fans were mocking Matthew Stafford. It’s one thing to stick up for your QB – it’s something else to go after band members, seemingly for no reason. [H/T Steve, Krista]

[UPDATE: Here is another angle to the story.  “[Raiola] was going to take his trumpet and shove it up his sister’s pu**y.” Also, Louis Delmas of the Lions reportedly apologized for Raiola’s comments.]