Judge rejects Martin's bid for new trial in FAMU hazing

ORLANDO, Florida -- A Judge has rejected a request for a new trial by Dante Martin, who faces up to 22 years in prison for his role in the hazing death of Florida A&M University drum major Robert Champion.

Martin's legal team argued that Orange Circuit Judge Renee Roche gutted the heart of his defense in October when she blocked his lawyers from comparing Champion's decision to submit to the risky hazing to the daredevil exploits of "Evel Knievel and thrill-seekers who run with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain.

The lawyers, who also plan to appeal the jury verdict, had insisted the hazing was essentially a "toughness competition" and Champion volunteered to compete.

Martin, 27, found guilty of manslaughter in Champion's death and lesser charges of hazing, is set to be sentenced Jan. 9 by Roche.

Champion, 27, was beaten to death Nov. 19, 2011, during a ritual known as "Crossing Bus C," in which he tried to run from the front of the percussion-section bus to the back by plowing through bandmates who kicked and punched him and struck him with drumsticks and drum mallets.

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