S&M club under investigation

(U-WIRE) AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University’s investigation into a campus bondage and sadomasochism club has left the fate of the group in limbo.

Club president Harlan “Duane” Long Jr. said university officials informed him that the Cuffs group would not be allowed to hold its first meeting, which was scheduled for Monday, because Judicial Affairs still needs to gather information about the club’s activities.

People who participate in S&M derive pleasure, especially sexual gratification, from inflicting or submitting to abuse.

“I’ve done everything they’ve asked, and I’ve provided them with all the information I can,” Long said. “I’m not sure what else they want or what.”

The University investigated Cuffs – with a mission to educate the campus about sadomasochism – because of demonstrations performed at a Cuffs meeting held in November.

The investigation was prompted by a Dec. 15 student newspaper article, “Pain and Pleasure: The stigma over Cuffs hurts community,” which described Long demonstrating on another member how to properly use S&M toys. Toys often include whips, chains and handcuffs.

Officials in the Judicial Affairs and Dean of Students Office said they were concerned that the group violated student disciplinary regulations by hitting a person during the demonstration.

Long said if members have to wait too long for meetings to begin, they will look elsewhere for a place to go.

“My primary concern is the commitment of the members wavering, as the fate of the group is now uncertain,” he said. “I’d really hate for it to take so long that after weeks and weeks, we’re finally able to meet, but half of the members have left.”

Football coach addresses recruiting violations allegations

(U-WIRE) MINNEAPOLIS – University of Minnesota football coach Glen Mason said Thursday he has no plans to discipline players who allegedly took high school recruits to a strip club and bar.

At a news conference, Mason said he needs to investigate the issue further to determine what happened and who was involved before he can assess whether the alleged incidents necessitate any disciplinary actions.

“Discipline who?” Mason said, adding that the specific details of the recruits’ visits are still sketchy.

Mason responded to news reports quoting high school football recruits who said players took them to a Minneapolis strip club and several bars during official visits to the University in December.

Mason said he heard rumors that some behavior he deemed inappropriate might have occurred during recent recruits’ visits in early December, and he had a team meeting to address the behavior.

“Some of the information I get comes in the form of rumors sometimes, and you know how rumors are,” Mason said.

NCAA rules prohibit prospective student-athletes from violating alcohol and drug laws.

–compiled by Michael Barnett