Earlier this month, the University of Notre Dame men’s swimming team received a one-year suspension following an external review that revealed NCAA policy violations related to betting. However, recent reports suggest the situation may be more severe, with the team now under additional scrutiny for broader misconduct.
The initial investigation was prompted earlier this summer when Notre Dame’s athletic department learned of allegations involving the men’s swimming program. An external law firm was hired to investigate, and the findings were troubling. Over 60% of the returning swimmers for the 2024-25 season were reportedly involved in placing wagers on events in which they participated, including March Madness and the Super Bowl.
Even more disturbingly, some team members allegedly placed bets on inappropriate matters, such as “how many women would cry after their races.” These findings led to the team’s suspension for at least one academic year, marking a significant disciplinary action against the program.
Further Allegations Lead to Broader Investigation
On Thursday, Swim Swam reported that the gambling suspension might be just the tip of the iceberg. Citing a source close to the situation, the report revealed that the men’s swimming team is now under investigation by Notre Dame’s Office of Institutional Equity (OIE). This office is responsible for ensuring compliance with university policies that address harassment, retaliation, and discrimination.
The OIE investigation comes in response to allegations of hazing, homophobia, and even bestiality within the team. The previous review had already uncovered the use of homophobic slurs and other derogatory comments in a group text chat among team members. The OIE will now examine whether these actions violated the university’s strict policies against harassment and discrimination.
If the OIE’s investigation confirms additional breaches of university policies, the men’s swimming team could face a suspension longer than the initial one-year ban. Such extended disciplinary action would follow a troubling pattern seen in other universities. Over the past two decades, schools like Bucknell, Dartmouth, and Western Kentucky have faced similar issues, leading to severe consequences, including multi-year program suspensions.
Given the gravity of the allegations and the ongoing investigation, the future of Notre Dame’s men’s swimming program remains uncertain, with the possibility of even harsher penalties looming.
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