Big 12 Conference Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a notable criticism, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Dispute
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do great 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,” the athletic director remarked.
Miami 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 additionally stated that the ACC ran a targeted social media campaign over multiple weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
A Strong Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his conduct has been unacceptable,” Yormark commented. “He is totally 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 significant given Bevacqua’s unique role. He serves 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 Moves
Yormark further pointed out the assistance the ACC gave 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 unacceptable,” Yormark said again. “It’s been egregious attacking Jim Phillips, 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 move highly improbable in the near term.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP final last season, have stated they will decline a bowl game after missing out this year.
