Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a public criticism, Big 12 chief asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this selection,” Bevacqua remarked.
The Hurricanes eventually earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the head-to-head matchup between the two programs. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media push over multiple weeks showing its preference for Miami.
A Strong Response
Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been out of line,” the commissioner stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The pushback is especially notable given Bevacqua’s special standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Future Rumors
The commissioner further remarked the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's pointed reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a move highly improbable in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have announced they will decline a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
