FAMU says it's not responsible for hazing death

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M University is asking a judge to throw out a lawsuit filed against the university by the family of a drum major who died last November after a hazing ritual.

Monday's filing by the university said the lawsuit from the family of Robert Champion should be dismissed on several grounds. Among them, the university claims Champion should have refused to participate in hazing events. The university also says taxpayers should not be held liable for what it called Champion's imprudent and avoidable decision.

An attorney for the Champion family says it's committed to clearing Champion's name and holding FAMU accountable for allowing hazing to go on for years.

Champion died after being beaten by fellow band members aboard a bus parked outside an Orlando hotel after a football game.