The Notre Dame men’s swimming and diving team is under review by the law firm of Ropes & Gray LLP after reports of culture issues arose in late June.
Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua informed all athletic staff and Notre Dame athletes of the review via email.
“We take these matters very seriously as part of our fundamental obligation to our student-athletes,” the email to athletes said. “We are working closely with Ropes & Gray, University officials and head coach Chris Lindauer and his staff to take the proper actions as thoroughly and expeditiously as possible.”
Bevacqua said his team met with the swimming and diving program on June 25.
The University’s Office of General Counsel retained Ropes & Gray to conduct the external review, the email said. The law firm is multinational and employs more than 1,500 lawyers who have litigated multiple high-profile cases.
The review comes shortly after rising senior Chris Guiliano earned a spot on the United States Olympic team. Both Guiliano and Lindauer – who will be serving as a Team USA assistant coach – will head to Paris for the Olympic Games.
The email to student athletes also added that Bevacqua was “incredibly sorry and disappointed” to share the information during summer.
“However, it is important that you are aware of this unfortunate matter and the external review being conducted in connection with the issues that recently came to our attention,” the email continued.
