Report: Notre Dame launches external review into potential 'culture issues' within men's swimming and diving program

Notre Dame is gearing up to conduct an external review of potential “culture issues” in the men’s swimming and diving program, according to an email obtained by Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde. Fighting Irish athletics director Pete Bevacqua informed department staffers of the inquiry Tuesday afternoon.

The law firm Ropes & Gray LLP will conduct the review, and Bevacqua said university officials met with the team Tuesday. He also said the goal is for a “fair and complete” review of the situation.

Notre Dame’s swimming and diving season ended in March. The program also saw multiple swimmers star at the Olympic trials in Indianapolis, headlined by Chris Guiliano. Head coach Chris Lindauer, who took over the program in 2022, is also on the Team USA staff.

“Earlier today, in response to recently received reports of potential issues with the culture of our men’s swimming and diving team, we held a meeting with the program,” Bevacqua wrote in the email. “Based on our internal inquiry upon learning of the potential issues, the Office of General Counsel has retained the law firm of Ropes & Gray LLP to conduct a timely, independent review of the program.

“I believe it is important that you are aware of this matter and the steps being taken to ensure a fair and complete review. We are working closely with outside counsel, University officials and Head Coach Chris Lindauer and his staff to take the proper actions as thoroughly and expeditiously as possible.

“We take seriously our obligation to foster a community of student-athletes who not only compete and perform at the highest level academically and athletically, but whose conduct is exemplary in all aspects of student life.”

Notre Dame’s men’s swimming and diving program finished second in the ACC Championship to NC State and eventually finished 10th at the NCAA men’s championships in late March. Then, attention turned to the Olympics, and Guiliano shined at the trials at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Guiliano became the first Notre Dame male varsity swimmer to make Team USA, and he will compete in five events in Paris. He will race in the 50, 100 and 200 freestyles, as well as the the 4×100 and 4×200 freestyle relays.

When Guiliano gets to the Olympics, his coach will be with him. Lindauer will be an assistant coach for the games, the committee announced Sunday.

Opening ceremonies for the 2024 Paris Olympics get underway July 26, and the swimming events start the next day. Races will run through the first week of games from July 27 to Aug. 4.