Big 12 Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a public criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Dispute
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“They does great things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this procedure,” the athletic director remarked.
The Hurricanes ultimately secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the direct matchup between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC ran a coordinated social media effort over several weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his behavior has been egregious,” the commissioner commented. “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 criticism is especially significant given Bevacqua’s unique role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Rumors
Yormark also highlighted the support the ACC provided Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's public reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a move unlikely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP final last season, have stated they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.
