Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a public criticism, Big 12 chief declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent remarks targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Tension
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They does wonderful 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,” Bevacqua said.
The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct contest between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media effort over several weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been unacceptable,” Yormark commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public pushback is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s unique role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner also highlighted the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” he said again. “It’s been egregious attacking Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario unlikely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they plan to decline a bowl game after missing out this year.
