Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a strong rebuke, Big 12 chief declared that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They does great things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this selection,” Bevacqua stated.
Miami eventually received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct matchup between the two schools. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public pushback is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s unique role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Speculative Moves
Yormark further pointed out the lifeline the ACC gave Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's public reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership less likely in the near term.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they will decline a bowl game after missing out this season.
