Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a strong rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Tension
The Fighting Irish has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide significant 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 procedure,” the athletic director said.
The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the direct meeting between the two teams. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media push over several weeks indicating its support for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his actions has been egregious,” Yormark 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 response is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s prominent role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Rumors
Yormark further remarked the lifeline the ACC offered 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 egregious,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable attacking Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario less likely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP final last season, have indicated they will decline a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
