Notre Dame Fighting Irish AD announces 'culture issues' investigation

Notre Dame Fighting Irish AD Pete Bevacqua hasn’t been on the job all that long. However, he’s got a big job ahead of him that will certainly test his mettle. The new athletic director announced on Tuesday evening that he’s launched an investigation into what he termed “culture issues” in the athletic department.

More specifically, the culture issues are apparently stemming from the men’s swimming and diving team.

“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 said through an official release. “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.”

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish AD went on to say that it is the university’s obligation to make sure that the school’s student-athletes engage in conduct that is “exemplary in all aspects of student life.”

Notre Dame Fighting Irish investigating ‘culture issues’

Sports Illustrated writer Pat Forde reported that the school was made aware of some issues with the swim team in the last few weeks. 

“The timing here is notable given the program's unprecedented success at Olympic Trials,” Forde wrote on Twitter. “Freestyler Chris Guiliano became Notre Dame's first Olympic swimmer by qualifying in the 50, 100 and 200-meter freestyle, and coach Chris Lindauer was named to the American Olympic team staff”

While it’s not clear exactly what the issues Bevacqua was addressing, it’s clear the school is taking it very seriously. Forde added the school did an initial investigation into a set of allegations and then turned to outside counsel because they needed a more thorough look at the matter.

It’s said the investigation is expected to be wrapped up and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish will take whatever action is needed by August.