Facebook and Athletes

Mitch Barnhart has warned UK Athletes with regards to photos on facebook.

Barnhart had been planning the meeting for a couple of weeks, said UK Athletics spokesman Scott Stricklin. UK has about 500 student-athletes, counting scholarship athletes and walk-ons, he said.

"This was not spur-of-the-moment," Stricklin said.

"He wanted to make sure they knew what was expected of them and that they understood what their responsibilities were as far as wearing the Blue and White," he said. "As much as there may have been problems, he wanted to make sure there weren't any problems, to make sure they know people are watching.

"He wanted to make sure he had their attention."

Facebook is a social network Web site that allows students, faculty and staff of colleges across the nation to post profiles and pictures, link themselves to "friends" and join social groups. Earlier this school year, The Kernel reported how UK's administration has been using incriminating Facebook photos to convict students of alcohol-related violations (see the Dec. 9 issue).

"(Barnhart) had some things he shared with them to make sure they knew how he felt about it," Stricklin said. "He keeps pretty good tabs on what's going on, both good and bad."

Softball junior Brooke Marnitz said Barnhart's message carried a serious tone.

"He didn't give any specifics other than he can take away your financial aid or suspend you indefinitely," Marnitz said. "No matter what the coaches say, he said it's under his discretion.[...]

"He's just trying to protect the athletes, the school and the department," she said.

Student-athletes should respond to this warning, Marnitz said.

"I hope people take him seriously," she said. "I hope they open their eyes."

Gymnastics senior Staci O'Keefe said Barnhart told the student-athletes he doesn't want to ban their use of such Internet sites as Facebook.com.

"He just doesn't want anything portrayed that shouldn't be," O'Keefe said. "He told us to look at what's on the Internet, and if it's not representing UK well, then it shouldn't be out there."

O'Keefe said she doesn't think many people are having to make major changes.

"It's not like people are erasing everything," she said. "I'm not changing anything."

It's good that Mitch Barnhart doesn't want to ban Facebook from athletes at UK.

At NKU, it is up to the coach's discretion. One good thing about Facebook is that it is a great way to keep in touch with friends. The Athletics program may not see it that way.

"Right now my position from a department standpoint is not to restrict (Facebook) usage," Meier said.

Though the policy will not necessarily restrict student usage, Meier said that coaches would have the ability to decide if their team members will be allowed to participate in the online student network.

"Some coaches have indicated that they don't want their athletes on it," she said.

I can understand photos but to not be alloowed to join and stay in touch with friends. In my opinion, the positives outweigh the negatives.

One more post and I'll see you tomorrow night.