Notre Dame's men's swimming program has been suspended for at least one academic year after it was discovered the program was embroiled in a gambling scandal, violating NCAA rules .
The program was investigated by both internal and external entities, which revealed that some members of the men's team created their own sportsbook to wager on their performances, according to Sports Illustrated . Notre Dame's athletic director Pete Bevacqua released a statement detailing what happened.
“The external review confirmed and expanded on our initial concerns,” Bevacqua said, per SI . “These findings are contrary to the University’s values and all that we stand for in Notre Dame athletics. 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. While individual conduct varied, the overwhelming cultural dynamic on the team necessitates a full suspension.”
The women's team and both diving teams will not face any disciplinary actions as those teams were not involved. Additionally, because there are no companies that provide lines on college swimming, the men's team created their own quasi-system.
It is being reported that a large number of returning athletes this year were engaged in betting, with "over/under" lines being established for swimmers in specific races. Along with swimming, it was discovered that some athletes bet on other sports, including the NCAA basketball tournament, according to SI.
Those involved in betting on their own sport to influence the outcomes of their matches or provided insider information would face "permanent loss of collegiate eligibility in all sports," per the updated NCAA legislation from 2023 . "This would also apply to student-athletes who wager on their own games or on other sports at their own schools," it read.
Because the team was informed before classes formally began on Aug. 27, those affected, as well as incoming freshmen, will be allowed to transfer. That said, those who have been found to be among those who engaged in betting will see the record follow them if they decide to transfer to other universities.
The first indication that the men's team was engaging in gambling activities occurred at the end of the 2023-24 school year. The university began its investigation into the matter and after finding conclusive evidence supporting the theory the team had engaged in gambling activities , it contracted an outside law firm to confirm the findings.
Once the outside law firm corroborated the findings of the internal review, the university acted. Bevacque believes the decision to act decisively is to make sure Notre Dame's integrity is not impugned.
“As stated at the launch of the review, we take seriously our obligation to foster a community of student-athletes who not only compete and perform at the highest level academically and athletically, but whose conduct reflects the University’s values,” he continued. “We hope this decision sends a clear and unequivocal message reaffirming that commitment and expectation.”
Olympic and Notre Dame swimmer Chris Guiliano, who helped the United States win gold in the 400m freestyle relay race in Paris, released a statement on the matter. “Our team culture is my utmost priority, and I am committed to improving upon the student-athlete experience both in and out of the pool. I am hopeful we will emerge from this situation stronger than ever," he said .
“I remain committed to the women’s swimming and diving program and the men’s diving program at Notre Dame, and I am looking forward to working with them this season to accomplish our goals and reach new heights.”
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