After internal and external investigations by the NCAA, it revealed that the University of Notre Dame men’s swim team had widespread gambling issues that violated the NCAA’s policies. It was announced that Notre Dame will be suspending their men’s swimming team for at least one academic year. Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua said this was a “deeply embedded team culture” that was dismissive of Notre Dame’s standards for their student-athletes. Sports Illustrated was the first to report this out-of-the-blue suspension on Thursday afternoon. This gives athletes time to transfer, including incoming freshmen, before classes begin on August 27. The women’s swim team along with the men’s and women’s diving team were not affected. Additionally, head coach Chris Lindauer and his staff were not disciplined after investigations found they had no idea anything was going on.
Members of the Notre Dame men’s swim team effectively created their sportsbooks for wagering on their swimming performances. Most of the swimmers that were returning in 2024-25 were believed to have wagered and placed bets. The team would bet on “Over/Under” lines for the swimmers’ times in specific races. Zero-known sportsbooks offer betting lines on collegiate swimming. In recent years, the NCAA has tightened its stance on the gambling issue for collegiate athletes. Penalties are most severe when a student-athlete bets on their sport or even themselves. It could lead to a permanent loss of their collegiate eligibility. These same issues would follow the Notre Dame swimmers if they tried transferring to another school.
What happens next for the Notre Dame men’s swim program?
The NCAA has different guidelines for collegiate athletes who are caught up in sports gambling. When the total wagers are $200 or less, the student would need to attend a sports wagering and prevention course. From $201 – $500, the student would lose 10% of season eligibility, plus the sports wagering and prevention course. Wagers from $501 – $800 result in a 20% loss of season eligibility and the sports wagering and prevention course. Anything greater than $800 is a 30% loss of season eligibility and the sports wagering and prevention course. When the wagers greatly exceed $800, the NCAA will consider whether additional loss of eligibility needs to be in place.
