Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a public criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for his comments about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would go out of your way to try to undermine us in this selection,” the athletic director stated.
Miami ultimately secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two teams. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC conducted a targeted social media effort over several weeks showing its support for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Later on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been out of line,” the commissioner stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public criticism is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s special position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Rumors
The commissioner also pointed out the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a berth in its title game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark said again. “It’s been egregious criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's pointed reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a move highly improbable in the near term.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they will decline a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
