In a significant development, the University of Notre Dame’s men’s swimming team has been suspended for at least one academic year, as announced by athletic director Pete Bevacqua. The decision, revealed on Thursday, follows a comprehensive external investigation.
The investigation discovered that the team had violated several National College Athletic Association (NCAA) gambling regulations and was struggling with internal culture issues. The suspension marks a major step as the university aims to address and rectify these critical problems within their athletic program.
Swimming program under review for internal sports betting allegations
In June, Bevacqua sent a letter to the athletic department’s staff indicating that a law firm had been hired to investigate the swimming program due to potential issues. An anonymous source with insider knowledge revealed that team members had established an internal sportsbook. Allegedly, athletes were placing wagers not only on their swimming performances but also on other sports.
More than 60% of the returning team for the 2024-25 season, approximately 25 swimmers, reportedly engaged in wagering activities. This involved betting among themselves on major events such as the Super Bowl and March Madness games. The athletes established “over/under” lines for swimmers’ times in specific races while placing bets on the outcomes. The review uncovered multiple violations of NCAA rules prohibiting gambling on intercollegiate swimming and other athletic competitions.
Details of violations
The investigation identified several breaches of NCAA regulations:
- Setting up bets for personal and professional games;
- Establishing over/under lines for race times;
- Placing wagers on intercollegiate competitions;
Implications and next steps
The findings have serious implications for the team and individual athletes involved. The NCAA will likely enforce strict penalties to address these infractions, aiming to maintain the integrity of collegiate sports.
Timeline of events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 2024 | Initial Bets Placed |
| March 2024 | Review Initiated |
| May 2024 | Violations Reported |
University investigation reveals disturbing gambling activities by swimming team
In a recent investigation, coach Tony Bevacqua disclosed that the coaching staff was unaware of the gambling activities and troubling behaviors within the swimming team. According to Bevacqua, head coach Chris Lindauer and his staff cooperated fully and were ultimately not disciplined. The review also highlighted a “deeply embedded team culture” that frequently ignored the University’s standards for student-athletes.
The coaching personnel’s lack of awareness underscores the need for more stringent oversight and adherence to university guidelines. This situation calls for an enhanced focus on accountability and compliance within sports teams.
