Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a strong criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Tension
The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do great 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 procedure,” Bevacqua remarked.
The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the head-to-head contest between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media push over multiple weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The criticism is especially significant given Bevacqua’s special role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner also highlighted the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” he said again. “It’s been egregious going after Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, 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 announced they will decline a bowl game after missing out this year.
