Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a notable rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner stated that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public criticisms concerning 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 argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we provide significant 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 selection,” the athletic director said.
The Hurricanes ultimately earned the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the direct contest between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC ran a targeted social media effort over several weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his conduct has been egregious,” Yormark commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public response is especially striking given Bevacqua’s unique standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner further pointed out the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership unlikely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have announced they are declining a bowl game after failing to qualify this season.
