Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a notable criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner stated that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring tremendous football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this process,” the athletic director said.
Miami eventually received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the head-to-head matchup between the two programs. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media effort over multiple weeks showing its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his behavior has been egregious,” Yormark stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public response is especially significant given Bevacqua’s unique role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner further highlighted the support the ACC offered Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its championship game.
“It has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's pointed reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario unlikely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they will decline a bowl game after missing out this year.
