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The men’s swimming team at the University of Notre Dame has been suspended for a minimum of one academic year subsequent to an extensive external investigation that revealed serious infractions of the National College Athletic Association’s (NCAA) gambling policies and concerning internal team dynamics. Pete Bevacqua, the athletic director, shocked everyone on Thursday by announcing a major disciplinary penalty for the program.
In June, Bevacqua informed the athletic department that an external law firm had been hired to investigate the men’s swimming program after concerns arose about potential infractions. According to a source close to the investigation, it was discovered that team members had created an internal sportsbook, allowing them to place bets on their own swimming performances as well as on other sports, including major events like the Super Bowl and March Madness.
More than 60% of the returning swimmers for the 2024-25 season, approximately 25 athletes, were found to have participated in this illicit wagering. The athletes reportedly set “over/under” lines on race times and placed bets among themselves. While there was no evidence that they bet on other Notre Dame athletic events, the investigation revealed numerous breaches of NCAA rules that strictly prohibit gambling on intercollegiate sports.
The investigation also shed light on a problematic team culture that disregarded the University’s values and standards. Bevacqua mentioned that the review “confirmed and expanded” concerns about a toxic culture within the team, including a group text chat filled with derogatory comments. However, the investigation found no signs of physical abuse or hazing.
Although the coaching staff, led by head coach Chris Lindauer, was unaware of the gambling activities, they fully cooperated with the investigation. Bevacqua noted that while not all team members were involved, the pervasive cultural issues required the drastic step of suspending the entire team.
The suspension affects all team members, including those who did not participate in the gambling activities and incoming freshmen. Those wishing to transfer will have the opportunity to do so before the academic year begins on August 27. The suspension does not impact the women’s swimming team or the men’s and women’s diving teams.