Band needs to rethink distractions

I was fortunate enough to get tickets to last night's game and travel from Michigan to attend my first game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. As a neutral, yet rabid college basketball fan, I had always wanted to experience Cameron. All in all, I had a a great time and was impressed with the creativity and intensity of the students. I would not want to be an opposing player at Cameron, and the student body should take credit for a good portion of the home victories.

The one instance that I hope I am misinterpreting was when Andrew Lovedale, the Nigerian on Davidson, was taking a free throw in the second half in front of the Duke University Marching Band. It appeared that the entire band stood up, pulled the backs of their shirts over their heads and starting making monkey or ape gestures right as Lovedale was shooting. My friend and I were appalled at this apparently racially motivated gesture.

If I am wrong in interpreting what the band was doing to intimidate the shooter, my only comment would be to refrain from this gesture and stick with all of the other more creative distractions. If I am correct and this was the intended gesture, the students, athletes and administration should not only be ashamed, but publicly reprimanded. With the racial tensions that made all of the national headlines a few years ago between Duke and the Durham community, and the history of similar racial taunting by St. John's against Patrick Ewing years ago, I would expect such action to revolt all fans, regardless of race.

I hope I am wrong about the Duke University Marching Band. If I am correct, the entire student body at Duke should be ashamed that such behavior is practiced and accepted at such a fine university.

Scott Smith