Jim Rome has made a career out of saying controversial things, but the sports talk host may have picked the wrong crowd to mess with when he called marching band members “dorks” who apparently nobody likes.
The host of the Jim Rome Show blasted out a tweet on New Year’s Day calling out marching bands, asking rhetorically whether anyone could possibly thing they’re cool.
He didn’t have to wait long to get an answer. The tweet sparked a massive backlash, with many calling out Jim Rome for the remarks. Plenty of marching band enthusiasts and backers also answered back, including the Twitter page CollegeMarchingBands.
That moment @jimrome became public enemy #1 of bands across the world. You messed with the wrong dorks. #MarchOnRome pic.twitter.com/Q6BBYD8ios
— CollegeMarchingBands (@CollegeMarching) January 2, 2015
Others joined in, showing Rome how cool they find marching bands.
@jimrome would never have the dedication and discipline it takes to rehearse in the snow for two hours. #MarchOnRome pic.twitter.com/U8j3xGUpk1
— Abigail Johnson (@AbigailsJoy) January 2, 2015
Even the armed services chimed in.
Just “running around with our instruments,” and serving our country. #ProudtobeinBand #romeisburning #MarchOnRome pic.twitter.com/IXXXdnvbbv
— The Army Field Band (@fieldband) January 2, 2015
Jim Rome has been known as something of a bully throughout his career. His schtick on the radio is an angry and snarky loudmouth, leading his army of fans (who he calls Clones) to go on rants that are sometimes not even related to sports.
Rome has also gotten beaten up for his comments before — literally. When he was still a young sports figure, Rome repeatedly referred to Rams quarterback Jim Everett as “Chris” during an interview, referencing the female tennis player Chris Everett. The incident ended with Everett tossing aside a table and throwing Jim Rome to the ground.
This time, the heat got to be too much for Rome, who apologized for his comments the next day.
Band nation – I hear you. I was out of line. I apologize. I do not condone bullying of any kind and that was not my intent.
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) January 2, 2015
Apparently, it didn’t take Jim Rome too long to find out just who likes marching bands.
