Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a public statement, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for his comments 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 other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this process,” Bevacqua stated.
Miami eventually received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two schools. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC ran a coordinated social media campaign over several weeks indicating its support for Miami.
A Strong Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been unacceptable,” Yormark stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The criticism is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s unique position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Moves
The commissioner further pointed out the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious attacking the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had circulated about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's public reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario unlikely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP final last season, have indicated they plan to decline a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
