Big 12 Conference Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a notable statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public comments about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
Notre Dame maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to damage us in this selection,” the athletic director stated.
Miami ultimately earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct contest between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC ran a coordinated social media effort over multiple weeks showing its preference for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his conduct has been unacceptable,” Yormark stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public response is especially notable given Bevacqua’s unique role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Future Rumors
The commissioner further highlighted the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's public comments on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario unlikely in the near term.
The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have announced they are declining a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.