Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
At a strong criticism, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to damage us in this procedure,” Bevacqua stated.
The Hurricanes ultimately earned the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the direct meeting between the two teams. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media push over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.
A Strong Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his actions has been out of line,” Yormark commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public response is especially significant given Bevacqua’s prominent role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Moves
Yormark further remarked the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had circulated about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday seem to make such a move less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
