Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a public statement, Big 12 chief asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent comments targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we bring tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to hurt us in this selection,” the athletic director said.
The Hurricanes eventually received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the head-to-head matchup between the two programs. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC ran a targeted social media effort over multiple weeks showing its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Later on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his actions has been unacceptable,” the commissioner commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The criticism is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s special standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Moves
Yormark also highlighted the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been egregious going after Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have announced they will decline a bowl game after missing out this year.
