The men's swimming team at Notre Dame was suspended for a year on Thursday by the athletic administration due to violations of the NCAA and the school's policies regarding sports betting.
A private law firm conducted an internal inquiry that revealed most of the Fighting Irish varsity men's swimmers were involved in an illicit betting pool. Investigators discovered that the group often placed bets on each other's performances and meet results, as well as on individual performances.
"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,” said Notre Dame Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua.
Whether through an offshore operator or legitimate sportsbooks in states where sports betting is permitted, the NCAA forbids student-athletes from engaging in any form of sports betting. In addition, betting pools and other social betting activities such as Super Bowl squares are off limits to college players.
There was no evidence to suggest that any diving or women's team members wagered.
Coaches Are Not Aware
There was no proof found by the Notre Dame investigation that men's swimming coach Chris Lindauer knew about the team's wagering activities. No one who worked with Lindauer had any knowledge of the scheme, according to the investigators.
“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 said. “According to the review, when the staff became aware of certain isolated incidents of unacceptable conduct, they treated them seriously and professionally.”
After serving as an assistant coach for USA Swimming in Paris, Lindauer assisted his Fighting Irish athlete Chris Guiliano win a gold medal while competing in the men's 400-meter freestyle relay. He returned from Paris just a short while ago. Guiliano was one of the few members of the Fighting Irish squad, according to the Notre Dame athletics department, who abstained from the betting ring.
In June 2023, Bevacqua was appointed director of athletics at Notre Dame. He was the CEO of the PGA of America and the chair of NBC Sports in the past.
Expensive Result
There are negative consequences associated with Notre Dame's decision to suspend its men's swimming team for a year. With seven new players arriving this winter, the Fighting Irish, who completed the 2023–24 season ranked 11th in the country, were predicted to contend for a national championship.
Players may transfer out of Notre Dame even though the team is prohibited from competing for a year according to NCAA regulations. Any upcoming suspension that the NCAA imposes on individuals for their involvement in the betting pool, however, would transfer with them to their new university.
In order to ascertain if individual athlete punishments are appropriate, the NCAA is examining Notre Dame's men's swimming ban and consulting with school administrators.
“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 told the media. “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.”