The Michigan State University (MSU) Board of Trustees appeared to finally sink the hopes of dozens of swimmers and divers when they said they could not establish a swim and dive program during a meeting on Friday.

When Michigan State Athletic Director Bill Beekman stepped down, it set off a firestorm of rumors and guesses about who would take his spot.

Michigan State Athletic Director Bill Beekman is stepping down to take over a new position at the university, MSU announced.

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State University is dropping swimming and diving teams for men and women after the 2020-21 season, officials said Thursday. “MSU athletics is facing a financial crisis unlike any we’ve ever seen in college athletics,” athletic director Bill Beekman and President Samuel Stanley Jr. said, citing the impact of COVID-19. Our worst-case scenario would more than double that number.”No one will lose a scholarship if they remain as students, the university said. Dropping the teams will improve the athletic department's long-term finances, MSU said. Unfortunately, this all led us to our inevitable decision,” Beekman and Stanley said.

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Merritt Norvell Jr., the first Black athletic director at Michigan State University, has died. “The thoughts of the entire Michigan State Athletics family are with the family and friends of Merritt Norvell,” said Bill Beekman, Michigan State's current AD, in a statement. “Beyond his contributions at Michigan State, his impact was felt across college athletics, including at the national level. Michigan State reached the Final Four in volleyball, hockey and men's basketball during Norvell's tenure. “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Merritt Norvell," NCAA President Mark Emmert said.