Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a public statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root 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 actively damaged Notre Dame’s bid to enter the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we offer tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this process,” the athletic director remarked.
The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the head-to-head contest between the two programs. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC conducted a targeted social media campaign over multiple weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been out of line,” the commissioner stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public pushback is especially significant given Bevacqua’s special position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Moves
Yormark further highlighted the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its championship game.
“It has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious going after the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's public reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario less likely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP final last season, have indicated they are declining a bowl game after failing to qualify this year.
