Notre Dame Suspends Men's Swim Team for Gambling Violations

Notre Dame University has announced the suspension of its men's swimming program for at least one academic year following an external review that uncovered violations of NCAA rules. The investigation revealed that team members engaged in internal wagering on their own competition results and failed to maintain a culture of dignity and respect. Athletic director Pete Bevacqua emphasized the need for a cultural reset within the program to address these issues. The review indicated that over 60% of the returning swimmers, totaling 25 athletes, participated in a makeshift internal sportsbook, betting on their own and teammates' performance times. Notably, the investigation found no evidence that the coaching staff, led by Chris Lindauer, was aware of the gambling activities, as team members had effectively concealed their actions. No coaches were dismissed as a result of the findings. In light of the violations, several student-athletes have been declared ineligible, according to NCAA spokeswoman Meghan Durham Wright. The NCAA has recently adjusted its sanctions for gambling violations, making penalties less severe for minor wagers and those placed on sports outside of the athletes' competitions. As the university grapples with this misconduct, it is committed to reviewing its internal processes to foster a positive environment for all student-athletes. This incident at Notre Dame is part of a broader trend, as other college sports teams, including those at Iowa and Iowa State, are also facing scrutiny over illegal sports betting activities.