Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a public statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent criticisms 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 claimed that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s opportunities to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we bring tremendous 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 process,” the athletic director said.
Miami eventually received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the direct matchup between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media effort over several weeks showing its preference for Miami.
A Strong Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been out of line,” Yormark stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The response is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s special position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Rumors
Yormark further highlighted the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“It has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable attacking the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership less likely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they will decline a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
