The Boston College swimming and diving program will return in August – but without its current coaching staff.
The program was suspended indefinitely by the university after an internal investigation following reports of hazing within the program.
School officials confirmed with Boston College school newspaper The Heights that head coach Joe Brinkman and his staff are no longer with the program, and the parameters of the suspension have an end date of August, 2024.
“After an extensive investigation that included interviews with student-athletes, coaches, and staff, and conduct hearings through the Office of the Dean of Students, Boston College has made the decision to extend the suspension of the Swim and Dive program through August of 2024,” University spokesperson Jack Dunn wrote to The Heights. “It is the hope of BC Athletics that these measures will enable the program to move forward in the 2024-2025 academic year.”
Dunn confirmed Brinkman, diving coach Jack Lewis and assistant coaches Brian Keane and Alexander Santana are no longer with the program, but did not discuss further.
The original suspension by the university occurred on Sept. 20, 2023, reports of hazing included underage binge drinking and allegedly swimmers consuming their own vomit, which was not part of the university’s legal defense in after members of the team filed suit for unjustified suspension, which was later dropped.
All swim and dive team members will also be required to participate in a hazing education program, according to officials.
“Given the hazing violations and recurring issues with the program and its culture in recent years, the University has decided to extend the suspension of the Swimming and Diving program until August 2024, including team practices and activities, competition, and all instruction with coaches,” Boston College Athletic Director Blake James wrote in a Jan. 4 letter to the team, according to a release.
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Wow, a swim team acting like a football team. Can you imagine suspending the football team for what is considered normal behavior for football players.