Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a notable criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for his comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to hurt us in this procedure,” Bevacqua stated.
Miami ultimately earned the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct matchup between the two schools. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media campaign over several weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been egregious,” Yormark said. “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 criticism is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s prominent position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Moves
Yormark also highlighted the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's public reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a move less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.
