Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a strong statement, Big 12 chief asserted that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would go out of your way to try to damage us in this selection,” the athletic director stated.
Miami ultimately secured the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the head-to-head matchup between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media effort over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his conduct has been unacceptable,” Yormark said. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public response is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s special position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner also pointed out the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been egregious criticizing Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership less likely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP final last season, have announced they are declining a bowl game after failing to qualify this year.
