SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Notre Dame has suspended its men's swimming program for at least a year after an external review found numerous violations of NCAA rules prohibiting gambling and that team members failed to “treat each other with dignity and respect,” the school announced Thursday.
“To ensure this behavior ends and to rebuild a culture of dignity, respect and exemplary conduct, we have decided to suspend the men's swimming program for at least one academic year,” athletic director Pete Bevacqua said in a statement.
Bevcaqua said not all team members participated in the misconduct and that coach Chris Lindauer and his staff cooperated fully with the review.
“The study concluded that staff were unaware of the gambling and the scope and extent of other problematic behaviors because team members effectively concealed such behaviors from coaches and staff through concerted efforts,” Bevacqua said. “According to the study, when staff became aware of isolated incidents of unacceptable behavior, they treated them seriously and professionally.”
Notre Dame said that after administrators were informed of possible misconduct, the school hired the law firm Ropes & Gray to conduct a review.
Team members will be allowed to transfer, although the NCAA will penalize those found to have violated anti-gambling rules.
The NCAA has in recent months modified its penalties for violations of gambling rules to make sanctions less punitive for small bets and bets placed on sports outside those in which athletes compete.
“We hope this decision sends a clear and unequivocal message reaffirming that commitment and expectation,” Bevacqua said. “And, as we do after any significant action, we will continue to review our internal processes and reporting structures to ensure we are doing everything we can to foster a positive experience for all Notre Dame student-athletes.”
