Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a notable criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner stated that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for his criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the inclusion 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 make an effort to try to hurt us in this procedure,” the athletic director stated.
The Hurricanes ultimately secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the head-to-head contest between the two teams. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC ran a targeted social media effort over several weeks showing its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark said. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public response is especially significant given Bevacqua’s special standing. He serves 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 Speculative Rumors
Yormark also pointed out the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable attacking the ACC commissioner, 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, Yormark's strong reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have stated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
