Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a public statement, Big 12 chief asserted that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent criticisms concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish 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 enter the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide substantial 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 selection,” Bevacqua stated.
Miami eventually earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the head-to-head contest between the two teams. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media effort over several weeks showing its support for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his conduct has been out of line,” Yormark said. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public pushback is especially striking given Bevacqua’s unique role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Speculative Rumors
Yormark further pointed out the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“It has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been egregious criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership unlikely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have announced they plan to decline a bowl game after failing to qualify this year.
