By Stefan Attanassov
MSU Tennis Coach Scott Linn implemented an unusual policy for men’s and women’s teams: to friend him on Facebook.
“Some people might think it’s a complete invasion of privacy,” said Rory De Boer of the men’s team. “Some people might think it’s outrageous, but I think he has his reasons.”
Linn refused to comment on the situation. So did the other players The Wichitan approached for an interview.
De Boer said he doesn’t know if there is a particular reason for the policy.
“To the best of my knowledge, it’s not a punishment,” he said. “I think it’s a preventative measure.”
De Boer did not wish to tell what his teammates think about the idea.
“I’m not going to say. I think everyone trusts the right thing. Some people are just confused.”
On March 3, the men’s team travelled for two matches in Tyler, Texas with only five, instead of the usual six players.
Because of the lack of a sixth player, the team lost by default four matches — one singles and one doubles match against both Tyler Community College and Texas University at Tyler.
Athletic Director Charlie Carr refused to comment on the Facebook situation.
He would not say if the policy is related to the decision for only five men to play at Tyler.
“There is an issue with a tennis player,” he said in a March 7interview.
A week after The Wichitan started its investigation on the new Facebook policy, Linn reversed his decision and told the teams that they are encouraged, but not obliged to friend him on Facebook.
Carr denied there was ever such an obligation towards the tennis teams.
In The Sports Journal in 2008, Ed. D Frank Butts, assistant professor in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Sport Studies at University of West Georgia, argued that Facebook information about athletes gives “gamblers personal information about the injuries of marquee players, who are the most likely to be approached with point-shaving opportunities.”
He also noted the interference of Facebook control with the First Amendment.
In 2006, two swimming athletes at Louisiana State University were kicked out of the team because they posted disrespectful commentary about the swimming coaches.
On March 12, an article in Education News reported on Facebook control at the University of North Carolina.
UNC student athletes are required to friend their coaches or faculties.
So far, the NCAA has not stated any definite rules about the athletes’ requirements about the use of Facebook and other social media.