Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a strong statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for his comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Dispute
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this selection,” Bevacqua remarked.
The Hurricanes ultimately secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the head-to-head matchup between the two programs. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media push over several weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his conduct has been unacceptable,” Yormark said. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The response is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s prominent role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Future Rumors
The commissioner also pointed out the support the ACC provided Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable attacking Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's pointed reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a move highly improbable in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they plan to decline a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
