Big 12 Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a public statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Dispute
Notre Dame maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this process,” the athletic director stated.
The Hurricanes eventually earned the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the head-to-head meeting between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC ran a coordinated social media effort over several weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
A Strong Response
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his actions has been unacceptable,” the commissioner commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public criticism is particularly notable 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.
Historical Context and Future Rumors
Yormark also remarked the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a berth in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable attacking Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership less likely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP final last season, have announced they plan to decline a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
