Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a public criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner stated that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning 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 damage us in this selection,” the athletic director stated.
Miami eventually secured the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two schools. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media push over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his actions has been unacceptable,” Yormark said. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The response is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s special role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Rumors
Yormark further pointed out 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 championship game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they are declining a bowl game after missing out this year.
