The University of Wisconsin athletic department has an image problem.
During a 42-day span from Dec. 16 through Jan. 26, eight UW football players were arrested or issued citations by police, with several of the alleged crimes violent in nature. Five players were suspended from the team, including two repeat offenders, and one player was dismissed from the team.
Including the latest incident, involving four players, one football player was arrested every 5.3 days during that 42-day span.
The president of Zeppos & Associates, a Milwaukee public relations firm, said Tuesday that UW officials must take swift and decisive action to address the growing problem and reassure frustrated fans and alumni and prospective students.