Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a strong statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner stated that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for his remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we bring 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 procedure,” Bevacqua stated.
The Hurricanes ultimately earned the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct meeting between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media effort over multiple weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his actions has been unacceptable,” Yormark stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public pushback is especially notable given Bevacqua’s special role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Future Moves
The commissioner further pointed out the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable going after the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario less likely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have announced they plan to decline a bowl game after missing out this season.
