Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a strong rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for his criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
Notre Dame has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would go out of your way to try to damage us in this process,” Bevacqua stated.
Miami ultimately received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two schools. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media effort over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been unacceptable,” Yormark said. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The criticism is especially significant given Bevacqua’s prominent role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner also remarked the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable going after the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership highly improbable in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have stated they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.
