By James Sutherland on SwimSwam
The University of Notre Dame has hired a law firm to conduct an external review of its men’s swimming & diving program after the school was informed of “potential issues with the culture” within the team.
According to an email obtained by Sports Illustrated‘s Pat Forde, Notre Dame Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua informed all of the school’s athletics staff of the review on Tuesday after meeting with the program.
Sources: Notre Dame AD Pete Bevacqua has informed all athletic staff at the school via email that an external review of potential “culture issues” within men’s swimming and diving is underway. Bevacqua met with the team this afternoon, according to an email obtained by SI: pic.twitter.com/FQVrRz3CEl
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) June 25, 2024
The law firm Ropes & Gray LLP will conduct the review, which is expected to be finished around the end of August, according to Forde. Paulita Pike, the managing partner of the law firm’s Chicago office, was named to the University of Notre Dame Board of Trustees in 2022.
“I believe it is important that you are aware of this matter and the steps being taken to ensure a fair and complete review,” Bevacqua said in the email.
“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.”
The news comes just days after the Fighting Irish had a phenomenal showing at the U.S. Olympic Trials, as Chris Guiliano became the program’s first Olympic swimmer after he won the men’s 100 freestyle and was the runner-up in the 50 free and 200 free last week. In qualifying to race the 50, 100 and 200 free individually at the Games, Guiliano became the first American male to do so since Matt Biondi in 1988.
A rising senior at Notre Dame, Guiliano’s performances led Irish head coach Chris Lindauer to be named one of the assistant coaches on the U.S. Olympic team staff.
The long course breakthrough for Guiliano comes on the heels of a standout collegiate season for the Notre Dame men, finishing 2nd at the ACC Championships behind NC State and then placing 10th at the Men’s NCAA Championships, both program bests.
Read the full story on SwimSwam: Notre Dame Launching External Review of “Culture” Issues In Men’s Swim & Dive Program