Lawyer Cries ‘Foul' Over Prosecution of University of Wisconsin Coach's Son in Animal Cruelty Case
MADISON, Wis. —  Chad Alvarez, the 23-year-old son of University of Wisconsin football coach Barry Alvarez, is being singled out for prosecution on animal rights charges because of his father's fame, his lawyer contends.
Chad Alvarez faces a fine of up to $10,000 and two years in jail for stealing a fraternity brother's parrot and roasting the bird in a microwave oven. His lawyer, Stephen Hurley, is asking that the charges be dismissed.
Hurley contends that other people here convicted of torturing dogs, shooting birds and killing cats have been treated more leniently. "The only explicable difference between the handling of the accused's case and these other individuals is the accused's status as the son of a prominent individual," Hurley says.
But Judy Schwaemle, the deputy district attorney here for Dane County, says Hurley's assertions are far-fetched. "The alleged facts of the case speak for themselves," she says.

From Rap Star to College Student
ATLANTA — Former rapper Mase shocked the hip hop world earlier this year when he gave up rap in search of a higher calling. Now, the 20-year-old gospel artist is seeking a higher education.
Mase, a star in producer Sean "Puffy" Combs' Bad Boy musical clique whose real name is Mason Betha, enrolled at Clark Atlanta University this semester, where he is majoring in business. He visited the school three months ago before enrolling.
"He fits right in and acts just like any other student," says spokeswoman Getchel Caldwell. "He's not signing autographs. He's very serious about his education."