Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a strong rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for his comments about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s bid to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They does great things for Notre Dame, but we provide significant football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this selection,” the athletic director stated.
The Hurricanes ultimately earned the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the direct meeting between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC ran a coordinated social media effort over several weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been egregious,” Yormark commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The pushback is especially notable given Bevacqua’s special position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner also pointed out the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full ACC schedule and a berth in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark said again. “It’s been egregious attacking the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's public reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership highly improbable in the near term.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
