Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a notable statement, Brett Yormark stated that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to enter the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we offer significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this process,” the athletic director said.
Miami eventually received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the direct meeting between the two programs. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media effort over several weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his actions has been out of line,” the commissioner stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The criticism is especially striking given Bevacqua’s prominent position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Future Moves
The commissioner further pointed out the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious going after the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership less likely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP final last season, have announced they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.
