Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a public statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public remarks targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
Notre Dame maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“They do great 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 damage us in this process,” Bevacqua stated.
Miami ultimately earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the head-to-head contest between the two teams. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media push over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The pushback is especially notable given Bevacqua’s prominent position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner further pointed out the lifeline the ACC gave Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's pointed comments 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 stated they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.
