The expectations and obligations of college student-athletes could be described as staggering. They are expected to lift weights, make it to class, study, attend practice and be accessible to local media. However, with high expectations come a decreased level of privacy.
College student-athletes across the nation are not readily available to the media. At UW-Madison, outside of press conferences, local media are directed through the Athletics Department in order to contact student-athletes. Furthermore, UW-Madison student-athletes' addresses and phone numbers are absent from the student directory.
According to Steve Malchow, the UW-Madison assistant athletics director who also oversees communication for the Athletics Department, coaches try to regulate athletes' time because they have so many other obligations.
\Coaches make regular [media] schedules; they don't want a free-for-all [with their athletes],"" he said.
With unapproachable direct sources, information concerning the athletes is often gathered through second-hand sources.
Over the weekend, residents of the Towers, 502 N. Frances St., were approached as sources of information regarding the shootings that occurred in their front yard, involving student-athletes as victims. Many residents responded with brief or vague responses. Some refused to talk to any media. All but one wished to remain anonymous.
Some of the tenants said they believed that UW-Madison student-athletes are given preferential treatment.
According to Madison Police Department Public Information Officer Larry Kamholz, however, UW-Madison student-athletes did not benefit from differential preference.
""We go through everyone involved,"" he said. ""It's no different than any other case.""
Brian Jordan, a UW-Madison freshman and Towers resident, said although he hasn't felt any great pressure to keep quiet, he and many others have been kept in the dark.
""People have not made it an issue around here,"" he said.
Witnesses of the incident may have been pressured not to report specifics to others.
""Those who might have seen it might have been pressured [to keep quiet],"" another tenant said.
A UW-Madison freshman Towers resident said she believed that even if the university did have information on who was involved, no action would be taken.
""The university puts [student-athletes] on a pedestal,"" she said.
Malchow said athletes are not treated differently from any other student, adding that he would comply with any request to interview athletes.
""Nobody has given me any names,"" he said. ""Its up to the student-athlete whether or not they want to talk.\
