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ND might cease to be independent, A.D. says

Swarbrick says possible expansion of Big Ten could force Irish to move

Image: Notre Dame football Darron Cummings / AP
Notre Dame celebrates after defeating Purdue 24-21 on Sept. 26, 2009.
By Ralph D. Russo
updated 1:36 p.m. ET March 9, 2010

NEW YORK - Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick says the possible expansion of the Big Ten could create changes in major college football that force the Fighting Irish to give up their football independence.

The Big Ten and Pac-10 have both said they are exploring the possibility of adding schools.

Swarbrick says that looming realignment changes could be "relatively small ... or they could be seismic."

While Notre Dame prefers to remain independent in football, Swarbrick says, he and university president Rev. John Jenkins will evaluate whatever changes occur and assess how they effect the Fighting Irish.

Swarbrick told reporters Tuesday morning: "You can each come up with a scenario that would force our hand."

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