Gambling Probe Triggers Hazing Investigation at Notre Dame

Earlier this month, a one-year suspension for the University of Notre Dame men’s swimming team was imposed after the results of an external review pointed to violations of the NCAA policies regarding betting and other failures. Now, a new report claims that the issues with the University’s men’s swimming team may be even more serious as the team is facing further scrutiny.

Initially, the team fell under investigation after earlier this summer, the athletic department’s staff was informed that Notre Dame hired an external law firm to look into its swimming program amid claims for issues. The result of the investigation uncovered that more than 60% of the returning team for the 2024-25 season allegedly engaged in wagering on games they participated in, including during March Madness and the Super Bowl.

Concerningly, the men’s swimming team not only placed wagers over/under but bet on “how many women would cry after their races.” Per the results of the investigation, the team was hit with a suspension for at least one academic year.

On Thursday, a report released by Swim Swam, claimed that the gambling suspension may only be a small part of a major problem. The media outlet, citing a source close to the matter, said that the university’s men’s swimming team is under an investigation by Notre Dame’s Office of Institutional Equity (OIE).

The OIE is tasked with ensuring the compliance of the athletes with policies that fight harassment, retaliation and discrimination. Not unexpectedly, student athletes are required to comply with those policies and demonstrate behavior that is respectful to all of their peers.

Suspension Extension Is Possible, If Breaches Are Uncovered

The investigation of the OIE follows allegations of hazing, homophobia and bestiality. The previous probe uncovered that members of the men’s swimming team were part of a group text chat that included homophobic slurs and other derogatory remarks and messages.

In light of those allegations, OIE will look into potential breaches of its policies that combat harassment, retaliation and discrimination. Considering the additional scrutiny, if further breaches of the rules are uncovered, the men’s team may face an extended ban than the initially self-imposed one-year suspension.

Over the last two decades, there have been many cases related to hazing. Around 2010, other schools, including Bucknell, Dartmouth, Brown and East Carolina, among others, faced similar issues. In 2015, Western Kentucky’s swim and dive program was also affected due to hazing. This resulted in a suspension of the program for five years.