USC band apologizes for playing over Cal tribute to player who died

A file photo of the University of Southern California band. A file photo of the University of Southern California band. Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images For Live Nation Entertainment Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images For Live Nation Entertainment Image 1 of / 4 Caption Close USC band apologizes for playing over Cal tribute to player who died 1 / 4 Back to Gallery

The USC band issued an apology for "inadvertently" playing during a tribute to a Cal player who passed away.

The memorial for Bears defensive back Bryce Turner took place Saturday night during a game against the Trojans at Memorial Stadium. While the stadium video screens showed a tribute to Turner, The Spirit of Troy band continued to play, much to the consternation of Cal fans.

"Sincere apologies to the family of Bryce Turner and Cal fans for inadvertently performing during his memorial earlier," the official Spirit of Troy Twitter account wrote.

Sincere apologies to the family of Bryce Turner and Cal fans for inadvertently performing during his memorial earlier. — The Spirit of Troy (@USCTMB) November 17, 2019

The apology was not well-received by some Cal fans, who questioned whether it was possible to not notice the rest of the stadium was participating in a memorial.

"It was inexcusably rude. His picture was on the video board for more than a few seconds, and it was obvious it was a memorial tribute," one fan wrote in response to the tweet. "You all should have just stopped playing. An apology after the fact doesn't cut it."

Turner was only 20 when he died on Jan. 5 after suffering a medical emergency during a non-team workout in Southern California, where he was from. His cause of death has not been disclosed.

“We are so deeply saddened by Bryce’s passing," head football coach Justin Wilcox said in a statement at the time. “This is an extremely difficult day for everyone. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Bryce’s family, friends, teammates and so many others who have been a part of his life. No words can accurately describe the pain we feel in our hearts right now.

"We’ll always remember Bryce and how he impacted all of us with Cal football.”