STAFF EDIT: On Nicastro

Boston University has found itself amidst another sexual assault scandal concerning a men’s hockey player. Max Nicastro, a junior defenseman, was arrested Sunday on alleged sexual assault charges. According to an article published in The Daily Free Press today, more decisive action shall not be taken until the investigation is complete. As soon as the story broke, many were reminded of the Corey Trivino case, which unfolded just two months ago. Other than the Trivino incident, residents at 10 Buick St. have witnessed rowdy behavior from hockey players. An article published in The Boston Globe yesterday said there have been fewer than five sexual assault charges reported on BU’s campus this year other than Trivino and Nicastro, an incredibly low number in proportion to the large student body.

The harsh reality remains that there have probably been more assault cases on campus unreported and unresolved. The fact that there have been two misdemeanors from two different members of the hockey team has triggered reactions of judgment and disgust from the BU community. In addition, the assault charges come after team’s endorsement of ending violence against women, which was publicized leading up to this year’s Beanpot tournament. Evidently there is a disconnect between the message being publicly broadcasted to fans and certain players’ private actions.

While it is convenient to place all responsibility on the team itself, we have to remember that despicable actions by the minority are not grounds to make generalizations about hockey players. There are morally upstanding players on the team, but their reputations are in jeopardy thanks to actions of two players. It is now up to BU’s administration to deal with the situation in a manner that ensures students’ safety.

Blame will inevitably shift to coach Jack Parker or general administration, but they cannot be held solely responsible. BU students – those of both genders – and professors alike are not exempt from blame. The stereotype all over Comm. Ave. that players receive preferential treatment from both parties may be just that, a stereotype. But every stereotpye starts with a piece of the truth, and this could very well be one of those cases. It would be rash to say all hockey players behave this way, but without a doubt putting the team on pedastals as the BU community does enables the culpable players to behave the way they do. The outcry from people in and around BU is a good start, but the issue will not be fixed until people stop treating the student-athletes as more than just student-athletes.

Yet some of those conclusions take away from the fact that these players, Trivino and Nicastro, are adults, and they should not have to be babysat to make sure they behave themselves. Authoritative figures can lecture to their hearts’ content, but ultimately the decision to act with decency lies with each player individually.

The BU community’s reaction will be pivotal – many lack confidence in BU’s ability to acknowledge that sexual assault on campus needs to be reviewed with regard to all students on campus, irrespective of stigma against athletes.