According to the data from the best online bookmakers, Paris 2024 proved to be the most popular Olympics so far, with global punters doubling the betting volume seen in Tokyo three years ago. Among the most popular sports, swimming emerged back at the top 10, replacing water polo. This surge in betting interest coincided with a troubling development: Notre Dame’s Swim Team suspension for a full academic year, following a gambling investigation. In fact, it appears that the problem is quite widespread.
The chronicle of Notre Dame’s Swim Team Suspension
The one-year punishment to the program is the result of internal and external investigations that revealed a widespread gambling issue, that violates NCAA rules. The breaking news was announced on July 15. However, the situation goes back much earlier than that. Specifically, at the conclusion of the 2023–24 academic year. At that time, Notre Dame raised concerns about its program and launched an internal review. After gathering sufficient information, the university announced in late June, that it had engaged the law firm of Ropes & Gray for a further external audit. Its results confirmed and expanded the university’s initial concerns.
According to ESPN, a source familiar with the situation, revealed that team members had created an informal internal sportsbook, allowing athletes to bet on their own, or their teammates’, performances at meetings. Notably, the athletes did not place bets on opposing teams or other Notre Dame athletic events. It’s important to note that no known gambling companies offer wagers or betting lines on college swimming.
As Notre Dame did not make the report’s contents public, the aforementioned source, speaking under the condition of complete anonymity, indicated that over 60% of the returning team, comprising 25 swimmers, participated in this illicit venture. Furthermore, it was also discovered that some team members had placed bets amongst themselves on major events, like the Super Bowl and March Madness basketball tournament. Additionally, a group text chat filled with derogatory remarks and messages was revealed. No evidence of physical hazing or abuse was found.
NCAA Tightens Penalties on Athlete Gambling
The national office is aware that Notre Dame has “declared several student-athletes ineligible, in light of potential violations of sports betting rules”, as per NCAA’s spokeswoman Meghan Durham Wright. To continue with: “And, as we do after any major action, we will continue to review our internal processes and reporting structures to ensure that we are doing all that we can to nurture a positive experience for all Notre Dame student-athletes”.
Furthermore, If Notre Dame swimmers who placed such wagers decide to transfer, the eligibility concerns would follow them to their new schools. Additionally, for those that placed bets on other sports and events, such as the NCAA basketball tournaments, these are considered as external wagers and will result in less severe penalties.
NCAA Guidelines on Sports Wagering Penalties
The current NCAA rules on gambling are as follows:
- Wagers of up to $200: Require sports wagering rules education and prevention
- Wagers from $201 to $500: Result in a loss of 10% of a season of eligibility, along with rules education and prevention
- Wagers from $501 to $800: Lead to a loss of 20% of a season of eligibility, accompanied by rules education and prevention
- Wagers greater than $800: Result in a loss of 30% of a season of eligibility, along with rules education and preventio
Rising Stars Dimmed
Athletic director Pete Bevacqua stated, “These findings are contrary to the University’s values and all that we stand for at Notre Dame.” He added that the suspension of the program aims to ensure this behavior ends, and to rebuild a culture of dignity, respect, and exemplary conduct. Additionally, individual swimmers may face further sanctions from the university’s Office of Student Affairs.
The one-year suspension is a significant setback for a program that had achieved unprecedented success under Coach Chris Lindauer, now in his third season. Notre Dame secured its inaugural top-10 finish at the NCAA championships in March, while freestyler Chris Guiliano became the first male swimmer from the university to represent the United States at the Olympics. Guiliano excelled in the 50-, 100-, and 200-meter freestyles, earning a gold medal as part of the 400 freestyle relay team. Thankfully, Guiliano is not among the swimmers suspected of wagering.
Clear Waters Ahead
Bevacqua stated that Coach Lindauer and his staff fully cooperated with the review, and no coaches were dismissed. Additionally, the women’s swimming and diving teams and the men’s diving team were not found to be involved.
“The review found that the staff was not aware of the gambling or the scope and extent of other troubling behaviors because team members effectively concealed such behaviors from the coaches and staff through concerted efforts,” Bevacqua said.
“According to the review, when the staff became aware of certain isolated incidents of unacceptable conduct, they treated them seriously and professionally. While it has been a difficult few months, I am confident that Notre Dame took the correct steps to ensure this misconduct does not continue,” Lindauer said in a statement. “I am hopeful we will emerge from this situation stronger than ever.”
Additionally, for cumulative wagering activities significantly exceeding $800, the NCAA reinstatement staff will assess whether further loss of eligibility, including permanent ineligibility, is appropriate.
In response to the total issue of campus gambling, the NCAA has modified its penalties. The most severe sanctions target athletes who bet on their own sport and team. According to the updated NCAA legislation from June 2023, those who attempt to influence game outcomes or knowingly provide information to individuals involved in sports betting, may face a permanent loss of collegiate eligibility across all sports. This rule also applies to student-athletes who wager on their own games, or other sports within their own schools.
Notre Dame’s Swim Team Suspension: Rebuilding Trust
The suspension of Notre Dame’s men’s swimming program is another reminder of the potential pitfalls associated with the growing popularity of sports betting. As the allure of placing wagers on events like the Olympics continues to rise, it’s crucial for institutions and athletes to uphold the integrity of their sports. While the excitement of betting can be enticing, it’s important to approach it responsibly. That’s what those looking to open an account at the best betting platform are waiting to see: fair play and transparency. As for Notre Dame’s team, while they face a year out of the water, the lessons learned will hopefully lead to a future where they can swim with integrity and sportsmanship.
