Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a public statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner stated that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
Notre Dame maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer tremendous 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 process,” Bevacqua said.
Miami ultimately received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the head-to-head matchup between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC ran a coordinated social media effort over multiple weeks indicating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his behavior has been unacceptable,” the commissioner said. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public pushback is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s special standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner also highlighted the support the ACC offered Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable attacking Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's strong comments on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario unlikely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
