Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a strong criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for his remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we provide 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 selection,” Bevacqua remarked.
The Hurricanes ultimately secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the direct meeting between the two teams. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his conduct has been unacceptable,” Yormark said. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The response is especially striking given Bevacqua’s special standing. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Moves
Yormark also pointed out the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious attacking Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's public comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership less likely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they plan to decline a bowl game after missing out this season.
