This whole thing is so frustrating, I’m sure from both sides. One side has band members that were (at the very least) not shown respect, then mismanaged the PR and how their band members’ concerns were handled. The other is branded the “bad guy,” while knowing full well lines are crossed on all sides, every year, across the country, by SOME fans.
I personally think Pollard hit back too hard on the Barta press release, and should have been more measure. Something like,”We’re deeply concerned about the wellbeing of UofI’s band members, and will provided any information we can to help find anyone involved once we are given more detail. We won’t tolerate that kind of behavior. What we don’t want to do is inflame a sensitive situation by stating anything too generally, without specifics, that could create more problems down the road.”
.....but I’m days removed and not on stage being blind sided by a bunch or reporters either.
I hope this doesn’t end the series, I love it and
I’m passionate about it. I hope instead it’s a wake up call for SOME fans.
I don't think Pollard went overboard at all. He basically said that we want to find out the truth, but that ISU had not received any information or details from Iowa on what happened, and that none of the police or security had reported anything either.... so he was just waiting to hear something.