Nôtre Dame Football Being Investigated for Academic Fraud

Pat Forde of Yahoo Sports is reporting via Twitter that Touchdown Jesus might need to have a word with a few in his flock.

It seems there could be a bit of drifting from the Eighth Commandment.

Early days yet, but Forde is a respected journalist of long standing and this sounds daunting.

Four players have already been dismissed by the program: wide receiver DaVaris Daniels, defensive back KeiVarae Russell, defensive lineman Ishaq Williams, and linebacker Kendall Moore.

If the allegations are verified -- and immediate dismissal is an ominous sign -- games in which this foursome played that the Irish won will be forfeited.

It was the university itself that initiated the investigation.

Ironically, head coach Brian Kelly just named Everett Golson as the starting quarterback this season. As some may recall, Golson missed the 2013 campaign because of the same situation.

I guess Kelly and the Nôtre Dame administrators didn't probe into this issue enough if it's coming back to haunt them a year later.

Some thought the Fighting Irish would be making noise this season, after a false start amidst a long way back.

Apparently, not even the Jesuit Fathers thought four explanations were sufficient.

Today's news may be a setback for the immediate future, but if any program can find it within itself to recover and move on just when things look the bleakest, no doubt it's Nôtre Dame.