Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a public criticism, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public comments 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 participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we provide substantial football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this process,” the athletic director said.
The Hurricanes eventually received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct contest between the two teams. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC ran a targeted social media push over multiple weeks showing its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been unacceptable,” the commissioner stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public criticism is especially 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 independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Rumors
The commissioner also highlighted the support the ACC offered Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable attacking the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership less likely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP final last season, have announced they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
