Marching Band Dorks Jim Rome - CBS's Jim Rome outdid himself this past week after he described marching bands as "dorks" and was forced to apologize on Twitter.
The 50-year-old host of The Jim Rome Show, who is known for his sharp and controversial comments, tweeted a disrespectful question about bands on Thursday. "Is there anyone not in a marching band who thinks those dorks running around with their instruments are cool?" he wrote.
It didn't take long for Jim Rome's marching band "dork" comment to go viral and for members of bands all over the world (collectively referred to as Band Nation) to respond and literally march on Jim Rome with the #MarchOnRome hashtag.
"We combine both athletics and arts...I'd say that's pretty freakin' cool. #MarchOnRome" Fabian Garza wrote.
"Just "running around with our instruments," and serving the country. #ProundtobeinBand #romeisburning #MarchOnRome," The Army Field Band tweeted.
"Just some kids "running around with instruments" honoring our vets #MarchOnRome," the Graylake North High School Marching Knights wrote.
"I'm a fiercely dedicated, hard-working individual that ALWAYS strives for excellence because I was once a marching band "dork" #MarchOnRome," Ms Meter wrote.
"@jimrome We do think those "dorks" marching around with their instruments are pretty cool! #MarchOnRome," Ursula Tulley wrote.
Despite the fact that #MarchOnRome has stopped trending on Twitter, band members are still expressing their fury over Rome's comments.
On Friday, Jim Rome took to Twitter to apologize for his uncomplimentary comments about bands. "Band nation - I hear you," he wrote. "I was out of line. I apologize. I do not condone bullying of any kind and that was not my intent."
But this has not stopped the outpouring criticisms about the sports commentator. Experts say the incident shows just how popular marching bands are.
In the aftermath of the marching band "dorks" comment, Jim Rome has been invited to several marching band performance across the country. A petition has also been published on Change.org urging CBS to air the Drum Corp's International's World Championship Finals. And so far it has gotten up to 35,000 supporters.
For now, CBS has not made any statement about the Jim Rome marching band "dorks" comment, but if the pressure persists, it is not unlikely that the station will bend to the will of the public.
