Gambling investigation leads to suspension of Notre Dame Men's swimming program for at least a year

Notre Dame has suspended its men's swimming program for at least one year after thorough gambling investigations. This gambling issue violated the NCAA rules as the men's team had placed bets on their swimming performances during various competitions.

The athletic director of Notre Dame, Pete Bevacqua, opened up on taking the decision to suspend the team, saying that it was executed for ending this behavior and recreating a culture of respect.

"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 Bevacqua as quoted by Associated Press.

The investigation has led to the revelation that the majority of the returning 2024-25 team placed bets on the swimmer's times in certain races. No gambling companies were involved in taking wagers or producing betting lines on college swimming. The NCAA has made some amends to some of its penalties as the gambling issue has been majorly found on campus. However, the sanctions are strict for the athletes who gambled on their own sport and team.

According to the NCAA rule from 2023, the student athletes who were involved in the same and knowingly affected their performance or the team's performance for wagering and betting purposes would face permanent loss of collegiate eligibility in all sports.

On the other hand, some competing Irish swimmers also placed bets on other sports of other schools, such as the NCAA basketball tournaments. However, they will be facing fewer sanctions than the student athletes gambling on their own teams.

NCAA spokeswoman opens up about Notre Dame gambling issue

The NCAA spokeswoman, Meghan Durham Wright, opened up about the gambling suspension that had taken place at Notre Dame. She revealed that the NCAA will continue working with the school as they have acknowledged the incident and taken the required actions.

"The national office is aware that Notre Dame has declared several student-athletes ineligible in light of potential violations of sports betting rules," said Durham Wright as quoted by Sports Illustrated. "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."

Along with the suspension from the program, it is also revealed by Sports Illustrated that the swimmers involved in the case will also face additional sanctions individually from Notre Dame's office of student affairs.