The University of Notre Dame has announced a one-year suspension of its men’s swimming team following an internal investigation that uncovered widespread violations of NCAA and university sports gambling rules. The decision, made public on Thursday, comes after a probe led by a private law firm revealed that the majority of the team had participated in an illegal betting pool, placing wagers on their performances and meet outcomes.
Violations and Investigation
The investigation was launched after reports surfaced that members of the Fighting Irish varsity men’s swimming team were engaging in unauthorized betting activities. The inquiry found that the team members were not only betting on their own performances but also on the outcomes of their meets. This behavior is strictly prohibited under NCAA rules, which ban all forms of sports betting for student-athletes, including social betting activities like Super Bowl squares.
Notre Dame’s Athletic Director, Pete Bevacqua, explained the decision to suspend the team, emphasizing the need to restore integrity within the program. “In order to ensure that 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,” Bevacqua stated.
The investigation did not uncover any evidence of involvement from the women’s swimming or diving teams, and no sanctions have been imposed on those programs.
Coaching Staff Unaware
The investigation cleared the coaching staff of any wrongdoing, finding no evidence that men’s swimming coach Chris Lindauer or his staff were aware of the betting activities. The report noted that the team members had deliberately concealed their actions from the coaching staff. “The review found that the staff was not aware of gambling or the scope and extent of other troubling behaviors because team members effectively concealed such behaviors from the coaches and staff through concerted efforts,” Bevacqua explained.
Lindauer, who recently returned from Paris where he served as an assistant coach for USA Swimming, was praised for his handling of the situation. His athlete, Chris Guiliano, was one of the few team members not involved in the betting and recently won a gold medal as part of the men’s 400-meter freestyle relay team.
Consequences and Future Implications
The suspension of the men’s swimming team is a significant setback for Notre Dame’s athletics program. The team, which finished the 2023-24 season ranked 11th in the nation, was poised to contend for a national title in the upcoming season with the addition of seven new transfers. However, the suspension allows players to transfer to other schools, though any NCAA-imposed suspensions related to the betting violations will follow them.
The NCAA is currently reviewing the situation and working with Notre Dame to determine if further penalties, including individual player suspensions, are necessary. “The national office is aware that Notre Dame has declared several student-athletes ineligible in light of potential violations of sports betting rules,” an NCAA spokesperson commented. “We continue to work with the school as it determines what occurred. The NCAA does not comment on specific eligibility cases due to student privacy laws, and we have no further comment at this time.”
Notre Dame’s athletics department, under the leadership of Pete Bevacqua, is now tasked with ensuring that such violations do not recur and that the integrity of the university’s sports programs is upheld. The decision to suspend the men’s swimming team reflects a strong stance on maintaining the ethical standards expected of student-athletes at Notre Dame.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.