Report: Law firm to review ‘culture issues’ in Notre Dame men’s swimming & diving program
Notre Dame director of athletics Pete Bevacqua sent an email to university staffers this week informing of the Office of General Counsel’s decision to retain a law firm to scour the Fighting Irish’s swimming and diving program for potential culture issues that were brought to the administration’s attention. Bevacqua met with the program this week and sent out the following email to all athletic staff, per Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde.
“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. 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.
“Thank you,
Pete”
Forde reported that Notre Dame was made aware of the potential issues in recent weeks. The allegations enter the public sphere at an interesting time considering the Irish’s Chris Guiliano qualified for this summer’s Olympics in Paris in the 50, 100 and 200-meter freestyle individual events in addition to the 4×100 and 4×200 freestyle relays. Lindauer, meanwhile, was named to the Team USA coaching staff for the games.
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Lindauer became Notre Dame’s head coach on April 21, 2022 after a nationwide search was conducted by then-Fighting Irish director of athletics Jack Swarbrick. Lindauer’s programs sent 10 swimmers to the NCAA championships in his first season at the helm. The men finished in 18th place as a team at NCAAs, the program’s best finish ever — until two months ago, when the team took home 10th place.
Lindauer arrived at Notre Dame after 13 seasons as an assistant at Louisville. He coached multiple Olympians there and his understudies amassed over 100 All-America honors.
The Paris Olympics span from July 26 through August 11. Guiliano will be in the pool starting July 27 for the 4×100 relay.
