March 6, 2006

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – The University of Notre Dame is fully committed to its continuing membership in the BIG EAST Conference, University athletics director Kevin White reaffirmed today.

“We’ve been a member of the BIG EAST for nearly 11 seasons now, and we couldn’t be more excited about the current state of the conference and its future prospects,” said White.

White’s comments came in response to a local media report that suggested the Irish might be re-thinking their position in the BIG EAST.

The South Bend Tribune wrote in its Saturday (March 4) edition, “White hinted that Notre Dame might re-examine its place in the Big East once the league’s current television contract expires at the end of the 2006-07 season.”

“That couldn’t be further from the truth, and I say that with emphasis,” White said.

“We have been fully engaged in assisting the BIG EAST in its recent transition, and we absolutely expect to continue our association with the league. Within the last year, we also have committed to playing three football games per year against BIG EAST institutions beginning in 2011, and I believe that appropriately represents our conference commitment.”