Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a notable rebuke, Big 12 chief asserted that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant 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.
Miami ultimately received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the head-to-head matchup between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks showing its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Later on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his behavior has been egregious,” Yormark stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public pushback is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s prominent role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Rumors
The commissioner also remarked the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's public comments on Tuesday appear to make such a move unlikely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have announced they are declining a bowl game after missing out this year.
