Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a notable statement, Brett Yormark stated that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Tension
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They do 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 procedure,” Bevacqua remarked.
Miami eventually received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two teams. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC ran a targeted social media push over multiple weeks showing its preference for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his behavior has been egregious,” the commissioner commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The criticism is especially notable given Bevacqua’s special position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Speculative Moves
The commissioner also remarked the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable going after the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's strong comments on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario less likely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP final last season, have indicated they will decline a bowl game after missing out this year.
