Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
At a notable rebuke, Big 12 chief declared that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
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 harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we offer substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to undermine us in this selection,” Bevacqua said.
Miami eventually earned the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct matchup between the two programs. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media campaign over multiple weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his behavior has been egregious,” the commissioner said. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The criticism is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s unique role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Rumors
Yormark also pointed out the support the ACC gave Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable going after the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's pointed reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership less likely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP final last season, have stated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
