ESPN to appeal Indiana judge’s ruling on Notre Dame police

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) – ESPN has filed a notice with the Indiana Court of Appeals that it will challenge a ruling that the University of Notre Dame police department is not subject to the state’s open records law.

ESPN filed notice Wednesday it would appeal the April 20 ruling by St. Joseph Superior Court Judge Steven Hostetler. The notice does not disclose the grounds on which ESPN will base its appeal.

Hostetler ruled last month that although he believes there are “persuasive reasons why the statute should be amended to read the way ESPN desires,” the Legislature has not attempted to impose on private colleges and universities the obligation to comply with state’s open records law.

ESPN is seeking records about possible campus crimes that may involve student athletes.