Vanderbilt apologizes to Army for postgame incident

Vanderbilt University apologized to the United States Military Academy for "oversight of your important protocol" after Saturday night's 44-21 victory over the Black Knights. After the game Vanderbilt officials blasted James Brown's "I feel good" over the loud speakers as the Cadets attempted to sing their alma mater. This statement was posted on the athletic department websites of Vanderbilt and Army: Oct. 25, 2011 To all of the men and women who attend and work at the United States Military Academy, their families, all graduates of USMA and their fans: We at Vanderbilt University would like to publicly offer our sincere apology for the events that occurred at the conclusion of our recent football game. While our football team performed our alma mater with our fans and band, the Black Knights, their band and cheerleaders, as well as their fans, stood at attention and honored us as would a worthy foe. However, after we were finished and the Black Knights began to perform their alma mater, our football team left the field and our loud speaker blasted music that had the result of drowning out the performing of your alma mater. While there was no intention to be disrespectful, this was wrong and was a huge mistake on our part. There is no excuse for this oversight; we were just wrong and we are truly sorry. Make no mistake, the people at Vanderbilt University, our alumni and fans respect all that you do and have done for this nation. We are honored by what you stand for and we understand that this was not the way you should have been treated. On behalf of Vanderbilt University, please accept our apology for this mistake and oversight of your important protocol. You deserved better and we have learned from our mistake. We request your forgiveness. Respectfully, Vanderbilt University