USC’s marching band will refrain from carrying out its game-day tradition in which the drum major stabs his sword into the logo at midfield on Saturday, at the request of the UCLA athletic department, according to a statement released by The Spirit of Troy.
“It was decided by Trojan Marching Band Director Dr. Arthur C. Bartner after meeting with UCLA game management that it was in the best interest of both universities to suspend this tradition at this game,” the statement read.
The band’s drum major, dressed as a Trojan, has performed the pregame ritual at all USC home games and selected road games over the last several years. A clip of the ritual from the 2010 rivalry game at the Rose Bowl was used in a Pac-12 Conference advertisement, which frustrated UCLA supporters and administrators. At that point, UCLA Athletics began to look into stopping the tradition, according to a UCLA student with knowledge of the situation who wished to remain anonymous.
Contrary to several reports, the athletic department’s request was not paired with any other restrictions such as which songs the Trojans’ band could play, the student said. Many UCLA fans take issue with USC’s “Tusk” because USC fans commonly yell “UCLA sucks” during the song.
Compiled by Sam Strong, Bruins Sports senior staff.