Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a notable statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC harmed 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 do great things for Notre Dame, but we offer tremendous football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this selection,” the athletic director stated.
Miami ultimately earned the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the head-to-head meeting between the two schools. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC ran a coordinated social media push over several weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view 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 tell him the same thing.”
This public response is especially notable given Bevacqua’s prominent role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner further highlighted the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“It has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious attacking the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's strong reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have stated they are declining a bowl game after failing to qualify this season.
