Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a strong rebuke, Big 12 chief asserted that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we offer substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this procedure,” the athletic director said.
The Hurricanes eventually earned the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the head-to-head matchup between the two teams. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC ran a targeted social media push over several weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been out of line,” Yormark said. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The pushback is especially striking given Bevacqua’s prominent standing. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Moves
The commissioner further remarked the support the ACC offered Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” he said again. “It’s been egregious attacking the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's strong comments on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have stated they plan to decline a bowl game after failing to qualify this year.