I know other websites have done this with local sports teams that were willing to grant it. This would allow you to speak to players, assistant coaches, etc. It can't hurt to ask.

we asked (at least once) and got denied.

It was funny. I was at one of the Knicks' meet and greets at MSG and I was chatting with Glen, the conversation was going well right up until the point where I mentioned I was from ultimateknicks. Suddenly Glen said he couldn't answer any more questions from a media outlet (or something to that nature).

don't jump to conclusions... he might have seen a hot intern at the bar & wanted to stop wasting his time talking to you at that particular time.