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Twenty-four hours after handing in his retirement papers, deposed FAMU Band Director Julian White says he has been a scapegoat for the University culture that condones hazing. As Mike Vasilinda tells us, White says he was not treated fairly in his suspension but believes his beloved band should remain on the sidelines for the foreseeable future.

The FAMU Marching Band has been called the best college band in the country, but that ended November 19th when Drum Major Robert Champion was beaten to death.

“I’m going to live with that for the rest of my life,” Band Director Julian White said. “I loved Robert, and nothing I say or do can bring him back. And I continue to grieve for his parents.”

White was fired, then reinstated, then suspended within days.White spoke with reporters just 24 hours after turning in his retirement papers Thursday.

Reporter: So you feel like you’re a scapegoat?

“I do,” White replied.

Eleven people have been charged in the hazing death. Three were non students. White and administrators have pointed fingers at each other over who was responsible for checking eligibility. White says he missed one chance to catch the error, but says administrators also bear responsibility.

“They gave me a check for every name that I gave them, so those persons are qualified to receive the money,” White said. “And that’s where we differ, the university and myself, differ.”

White also made the initial report to police of two professors involved in hazing.

“I was still on administrative leave, while the professors were allowed to remain there and nothing was done,” he said.

The report languished for two months at the university police department, and no charges were filed.

“FAMU trustees will meet by phone for an hour on Monday. The only thing on the agenda: the band.”

The band has played for Presidents, Governors, The Emmys, The Grammys, and even a Super Bowl. But now, even White says the band needs to stay on the sidelines until members and alumni stop turning a deaf ear to a deadly culture.