Big 12 Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a strong rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to hurt us in this process,” Bevacqua remarked.
Miami ultimately received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the direct matchup between the two schools. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media effort over multiple weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark said. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The criticism is especially significant given Bevacqua’s prominent standing. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Future Rumors
Yormark also pointed out the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's public comments on Tuesday appear to make such a move unlikely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they are declining a bowl game after failing to qualify this year.
