These privileges are a give and take. You get the perks when you succeed, but you get reamed when you screw up. Athletes have to be more careful in their actions than any other student. When that image is tarnished by allegations of underage drinking or fighting, punishment must be doled out appropriately. The school looks to them to showcase the excellence of their institution.
Younger kids look to athletes as their role models.
After all, professors are never on the boxes of Wheaties. You get them because you are supposed to bring glory to those who support you. Don't sully the hand that feeds you. After watching Game 2 of the World Series, two points became crystal clear. First, the Atlanta Braves should have a paramedic unit on call during World Series games.