Big 12 Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a notable criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner stated that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Tension
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we bring tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to hurt us in this process,” the athletic director remarked.
Miami ultimately received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the head-to-head matchup between the two teams. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media campaign over several weeks showing its support for Miami.
A Strong Response
Subsequently 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 totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The response is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s special position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner further remarked the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious going after Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's public comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership unlikely in the near term.
The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have announced they plan to decline a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
