The Stanford administration put the Stanford "marching" band on "indefinite provisional status" on Thursday, meaning they won't be permitted to perform at tomorrow's opening game against Navy, or at any other sporting event through (at least) the end of September.

Frankly, I think Mark Purdy's column in today's Mercury-News was right on target: the band is simply not funny, and, as Purdy writes, "its allegedly clever performances have deteriorated into a mess of inside jokes, incomprehensible themes and over-the-line bad taste."

I enjoy Stanford football, but I have to admit I cringe when the LSJUMB takes the field. They're embarrassing, obnoxious, crude, and the music's not even very good. Call me old-fashioned, but it's always a treat to see a real marching band. I do hope Stanford can beat Navy tomorrow, but I'll be rooting for the Navy band.