Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
At a notable criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for his criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this selection,” Bevacqua said.
The Hurricanes eventually earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the head-to-head contest between the two programs. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Response
Later on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been egregious,” the commissioner commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public criticism is especially striking given Bevacqua’s special standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner also pointed out the support the ACC offered Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable attacking Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership highly improbable in the near term.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.
