Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
At a notable statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent remarks targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Dispute
Notre Dame maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s opportunities to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this process,” the athletic director stated.
The Hurricanes ultimately secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the direct contest between the two schools. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC ran a targeted social media push over several weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his actions has been unacceptable,” the commissioner 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.”
The criticism is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s unique role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Moves
Yormark further highlighted the support the ACC provided Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious going after the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's strong comments on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario unlikely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
