Big 12 Conference Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
At a strong criticism, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for his criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s bid to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this process,” Bevacqua stated.
The Hurricanes ultimately earned the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the head-to-head matchup between the two teams. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC conducted a targeted social media effort over multiple weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his actions has been unacceptable,” the commissioner said. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public response is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s special standing. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Rumors
Yormark also highlighted the lifeline the ACC gave Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been egregious going after Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's strong reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario less likely in the near term.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they will decline a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
