Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a strong statement, Big 12 chief asserted that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They does great things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant 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 secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the head-to-head 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.
A Strong Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been egregious,” Yormark commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public pushback is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s unique standing. 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 Future Moves
The commissioner also highlighted the support the ACC gave Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable attacking Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario less likely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
