UWPD investigating sharing of ‘sensitive’ photos, video of Wisconsin volleyball team

University of Wisconsin-Madison police are investigating the circulation of “private photos and video” of Badgers volleyball players, including from inside the team’s locker room.

The athletic department released a statement on the matter Wednesday after the images were being shared online.

The materials originated on the phone of a member of the team. It’s clear how they were distributed.

“We are aware that private photos and video of UW volleyball student-athletes that were never intended to be shared publicly are being circulated digitally,” UW’s statement read.

“The unauthorized sharing is a significant and wrongful invasion of the student-athletes’ privacy, including potential violations of university policies and criminal statutes. When the student-athletes became aware of the circulating photos, they contacted the UW-Madison Police Department. UWPD is investigating multiple crimes, including sharing sensitive photos without consent. UWPD is not investigating the volleyball student-athletes for wrongdoing in this matter.

“Our top priority is supporting our student-athletes and we are providing them with the appropriate services and resources.”

Badgers coach Kelly Sheffield didn’t want to comment beyond the statement but said he’s in full support of players and there’s no disciplinary action coming from the team.

UW, which is scheduled to play Michigan State at the Field House on Friday, won the 2021 NCAA championship and is 13-3 this season. It is tied for second in the Big Ten Conference with a 7-1 mark in league play.

The UW-Madison Police Department cited the ongoing investigation when declining to provide additional information including when a complaint was made and whether other agencies are involved in the case.

Dennis Punzel contributed to this report.