CLEVELAND, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- The Cleveland drum major who was suspended for waving at President Barack Obama during last week's inaugural parade has decided not to return to the band.
Cleveland Heights fire inspector John Coleman says he won't rejoin the Cleveland Firefighters Memorial Pipes and Drums band after his six-month suspension ends, The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer reported Wednesday.
"There are too many bridges burned with the pipe band, too many hurt feelings on both sides," Coleman told the newspaper, adding there are some members of the group that don't want him back.
"I figure it's best for the band if I leave," he said.
Coleman has led the firefighters band every St. Patrick's Day since 1993. This St. Patrick's Day will be the first in 17 years without him.
