Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a notable statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent remarks targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this selection,” Bevacqua said.
The Hurricanes ultimately earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the head-to-head contest between the two teams. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his actions has been egregious,” 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.”
The response is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s special standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Moves
The commissioner further highlighted the support the ACC offered Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark said again. “It’s been egregious criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's public reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership less likely in the near term.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have announced they are declining a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.
