Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a strong criticism, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent comments about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Dispute
Notre Dame has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to undermine us in this procedure,” Bevacqua remarked.
The Hurricanes eventually received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the head-to-head meeting between the two teams. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media effort over several weeks indicating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark stated. “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 response is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s special standing. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Moves
Yormark also remarked the lifeline the ACC gave Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's public reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario highly improbable in the near term.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP final last season, have indicated they plan to decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.
