Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a public statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we offer substantial football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this process,” the athletic director said.
Miami eventually received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct meeting between the two schools. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC conducted a targeted social media campaign over several weeks showing its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his conduct has been unacceptable,” Yormark commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The response is especially significant given Bevacqua’s special position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Rumors
Yormark further highlighted the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious going after Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario highly improbable in the near term.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this season.