Aug. 16 (UPI) — The Notre Dame men’s swimming program has been suspended from competition for a year following an investigation that revealed concerns regarding gambling and culture, the school’s athletic director said Thursday.
“These findings are contrary to the University’s values and all that we stand for in Notre Dame athletics,” Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua said in a statement . “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.”
Bevacqua said that while individual conduct varied, the overwhelming cultural dynamic on the team necessitated a full suspension. He said he regretted that the small number of team members who did not participate in the alleged gambling activity and those who planned to join the team in the fall would suffer the consequences of the program shutdown. He said the goal of the school is to educate and support students who “make mistakes.”