Stanfurd is claiming that the Pier Thieves wanted a ransom of $300 for the return of the Tree.

After learning of the Tree costume theft, the Cal Band manager sent out an e-mail telling students to return the Tree before Big Game or face possible legal action from the Stanford Band. At around midnight on Friday, the Cal students sent an anonymous ransom note to the Cal Band manager, who forwarded it to the Stanford Band manager.

The note specified a return of the costume for a payment of $300 to be delivered to the students at the sports store between 4 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. on Friday morning. Rothacker was with three past Trees, junior Andrew Parker, senior Chuck Armstrong and Evan Meagher, Class of 2001, when he learned of the ransom note from the Band manager.

A ransom, especially a monetary ransom, is disgraceful to Cal Spirit and dishonorable to the team. Thankfully whoever came up with that idea apparently changed their mind and just left the Tree in pieces at Stanfurd.Email This Post!