Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a strong criticism, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we provide tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this process,” the athletic director said.
Miami ultimately secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct matchup between the two programs. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks indicating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Subsequently 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 out of line,” Yormark commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public pushback is especially significant given Bevacqua’s unique position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Future Moves
The commissioner further highlighted the support the ACC gave Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a berth in its title game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious going after the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's pointed reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario less likely in the near term.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have stated they are declining a bowl game after failing to qualify this season.
