Dec. 17, 1999
Following is the statement of Rev. Edward A. Malloy, C.S.C., president
of the University of Notre Dame, in response to the release of the final
report of NCAA violations in the University's football program. The NCAA
has placed the football program on probation for two years and reduced
football scholarships by one each in 2000/01 and 2001/02.
"This is not a good day for Notre Dame. We are embarrassed by these
incidents, troubled that they occurred, and we have taken action to deal
with the issues involved.
"Whether these incidents are characterized as secondary or major, they
happened, and that is unacceptable and a matter of the highest concern
to us. The incidents demonstrate the need for us to impress again on our
student-athletes the behavioral expectations we have for them and the
moral beliefs that underpin those expectations.
"We have high standards for the conduct of athletics at Notre Dame and
we will not compromise those standards. I can't tell you that Notre Dame
never again will have a problem in athletics. But I can tell you that
Father Beauchamp and I and Mike Wadsworth already have made clear to all
concerned the absolute need for constant vigilance, for prompt and
complete reporting, and for early and decisive response when potential
problems are detected, or even suspected. To back up this commitment, we
have taken the following steps:
"-We have disbanded not only the Quarterback Club in football, but also
all fan organizations in all varsity sports. The NCAA staff has told us
that this is the first time any university has taken such a step.
"-We have instituted an 'early warning' communications policy in
athletics which requires immediate reporting of any situation that
suggests improper conduct or potential University or NCAA rules
violations. The policy also states that failure to act in such a
situation will itself be considered a serious matter.
"-We have expanded our mandatory personal development program for
student-athletes to almost 40 hours over four years. The program
educates student-athletes to make the right decisions on difficult
issues including drinking, gambling, and University and NCAA rules.
"-We have conducted a comprehensive external review of policies and
procedures in the athletic department.
"Notre Dame has a proud tradition in athletics, not only for doing well
but also for doing right. We regret these incidents, and I pledge my own
and my administration's most diligent efforts to avoid such problems in
the future."
