Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a public criticism, Big 12 chief declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer 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 procedure,” the athletic director stated.
Miami eventually received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the direct contest between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media push over several weeks showing its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his actions has been unacceptable,” the commissioner 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 especially significant given Bevacqua’s unique role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner further remarked the support the ACC provided Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's public reprimand on Tuesday appear 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 missing out this year.
