Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a strong statement, Brett Yormark stated that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
Notre Dame has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide 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 stated.
The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct contest between the two teams. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks indicating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his conduct has been out of line,” the commissioner commented. “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 response is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s special role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Future Rumors
The commissioner further pointed out the support the ACC provided Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its title game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing Jim Phillips, when they rescued 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 strong reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a move less likely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they are declining a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.
