WKU suspends swim team for five years, effective immediately, after police investigation

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Effective immediately, Western Kentucky University has suspended its intercollegiate swimming and diving program for five years,

according to WKU News, an arm of the Western Kentucky University Office of Media Relations

The decision comes after a police investigation and claims from a former team member that he was forced to drink alcohol on several occasions and reported multiple assaults and hazing incidents.

The team of more than 50 members and coaches was informed of the decision Tuesday morning by WKU President Gary Ransdell and Director of Athletics Todd Stewart, according to the site.

Brooks price dove for WKU for two semesters starting in 2012 and says he hates to see the whole program penalized.

“I actually heard they were suspended through my mom,” Price said. “She sent me a text while I was in class with a clip of the news article on it and I was fairly surprised -- I think that's a very harsh punishment.“Positions for Head Coach Bruce Marchionda, Associate Head Coach Brian Thomas and Head Diving Coach Chelsea Ale will be eliminated on June 30, the site states.

"The investigation by the Bowling Green Police Department and WKU's Title IX Coordinator Huda Melky found evidence of violations of WKU's Student Code of Conduct, Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Title IX Sexual Misconduct / Assault Policy," the announcement states.

During the investigation, police searched a home near WKU's campus, one student is facing charges of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

A collage of pictures that showed highly intoxicated people that were nude or partially nude in compromising positions was also found. Police say they don't expect charges to be filed over the pictures.

"These actions have been taken in response to the findings that related to the swimming and diving program and the coaching staff," the announcement continues. "The Office of Judicial Affairs will handle matters related to the alleged violations of the student code of conduct, in accordance with the University's Judicial Process."

Both Ransdell and Stewart provided brief written comments in the announcement.

"We have high standards for student conduct and conduct of student organizations," Ransdell said. "The pervasive culture of misconduct in the swimming and diving program is intolerable. A five-year suspension is both necessary and prudent."

"This is a very difficult and unfortunate decision on many levels," Stewart said. "While many in the program have represented WKU with distinction, the overall findings of a consistent pattern of disappointing conduct is troubling and not acceptable at WKU."

"Current student-athletes in the program will certainly be allowed to transfer immediately to another institution," he said. "If they choose to remain a student at WKU, their current scholarship amounts will be honored through their senior years provided they remain in good academic and university standing."

WKU officials, according to the announcement, will have no further comment.

The swim team has produced one Olympian in its history. Claire Donahue graduated from WKU in 2011. She went on to win a gold medal in the 2012 Summer Olympics.