Notre Dame Reacts to Age Discrimination Case

Irish athletic director makes statement.

July 15, 1998

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – The following is a statement by Notre Dame athletic directorMichael Wadsworth on the decision in the age discrimination caseagainst Notre Dame by former assistant football coach Joe Moore:

“We’re of course disappointed with the outcome. We respect thedecision of the jury, but we disagree with it. The University ofNotre Dame does not, nor did we in this instance, discriminate onthe basis of age. We felt, coming to trial, and we still believethat the University treated Joe Moore with eminent fairness, butthe jury unfortunately did not agree.

“The question asked repeatedly in recent days has been, why didthe University endure this often unpleasant public inquiry. Thereasons, stated simply, were the importance of the principles atissue in this case and intransigence of the opposition, whichmade any hope of a reasonable settlement of this matter futile.Despite the outcome, we feel we had no other choice other than tocontest these false allegations.

“We applaud the dignity and steadfastness exhibited by Bob Davieand his assistants and the student-athletes in our footballprogram throughout this ordeal.

“Despite our disappointment, we will put this matter behind usand move on from here.”