Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a public statement, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer tremendous football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this procedure,” the athletic director stated.
The Hurricanes eventually received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the direct meeting between the two schools. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media campaign over several weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his conduct has been unacceptable,” the commissioner said. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The criticism is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s unique role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Moves
The commissioner further remarked the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable attacking Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's strong reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership less likely in the near term.
The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have stated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
