The UW-Madison Police Department is investigating the distribution of “private photos and videos” of Badgers volleyball players, including from the team’s locker room. The sports department issued a statement on the matter on Wednesday after the images were shared online.
Materials come from phone calls of team members. How they are distributed is unclear. “We are aware that private photos and videos of UW volleyball student-athletes that should never be shared publicly are being distributed digitally,” the UW statement said.
“Unauthorized disclosure is a significant unlawful invasion of student-athlete privacy, including possible violations of University policy and criminal statutes. When student-athletes learned of the photos, they contacted the UW-Madison Police Department. UWPD is investigating multiple crimes, including sharing sensitive photos without consent. UWPD is not investigating wrongdoing by volleyball student-athletes in this matter.
“Our priority is to support our student-athletes, and we are providing them with appropriate services and resources.”
Badgers coach Kelly Sheffield declined to comment further on the statement, but said he fully supported the players and the team was not disciplined.
Wisconsin, set to host the 2021 NCAA Championship at Michigan State on Friday, is 13-3 on the season and is second in the Big Ten with a 7-1 league record.
The UW-Madison Police Department cited an ongoing investigation when it declined to provide more information, including when the complaint was filed and whether other agencies were involved in the case.
