( CNN ) A former Florida A & M University band member has been sentenced to more than six years in prison for organizing the hazing that killed drum major Robert Champion Jr. Dante Martin , 27 , was one of 15 people charged in the 2011 hazing incident . Prosecutors said he organized the brutal initiation , known as `` Crossing Bus C , '' that band members had to go through . In October , Martin was found guilty of manslaughter and felony hazing . On Friday , an Orange County circuit court judge sentenced him to 77 months . `` I honestly am ashamed that I can even remotely be a part or associated with anything that could take the life of a human being , '' Martin , who did n't testify at trial , said in court Friday . `` It hurts me . I 'm terribly sorry . '' Champion , 26 of Decatur , Georgia , died after he was beaten aboard a school bus after a football game in Orlando , Florida . The initiation requires pledges to run down the center of the bus while being punched , kicked and assaulted by senior members , band members have said . A medical examiner ruled Champion 's death a homicide , saying he suffered multiple blunt trauma blows and internal bleeding from the beating . Champion died in the parking lot within an hour of the assault . FAMU 's famed marching band , known as the Marching 100 , was suspended for the 2012-13 school year after Champion 's death . The college pledged to make reforms and address hazing both on and off campus . FAMU is one of the nation 's top university marching bands , famous for its elaborate dance formations and innovative style . In court Friday , both Champion 's mother and father addressed Martin . `` I just want to let you know , I forgive you . I do n't hate you at all , '' mother Pam Champion said . `` And I do n't want you shedding tears for my family because my fight is not over . My fight is not with you . '' Nine former band members have pleaded guilty to lesser charges and received community service and probation . Three others go on trial later this year .
Dante Martin , 27 , was one of 15 people charged in the incident . `` I 'm terribly sorry , '' he says .