Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a strong statement, Big 12 chief asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Dispute
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does 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 undermine us in this process,” the athletic director stated.
Miami eventually secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the head-to-head meeting between the two programs. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC ran a targeted social media effort over multiple weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been egregious,” Yormark said. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public criticism is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s special role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Future Rumors
The commissioner also pointed out the support the ACC provided Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's public reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a move less likely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they are declining a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.
