Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a notable criticism, Big 12 chief asserted that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial 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, largely due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media effort over several weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been out of line,” Yormark commented. “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 striking given Bevacqua’s unique position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Future Rumors
Yormark further remarked the support the ACC offered Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's public reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they are declining a bowl game after missing out this season.
