Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a public statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner stated that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his comments about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do great 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 selection,” the athletic director stated.
The Hurricanes ultimately earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the direct contest between the two programs. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media push over several weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his actions has been egregious,” the commissioner commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public response is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s special role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Moves
Yormark further pointed out the support the ACC provided Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's public reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a move highly improbable in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have stated they plan to decline a bowl game after failing to qualify this year.
