Big 12 Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a public rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner stated that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for his comments targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to damage us in this process,” Bevacqua said.
Miami ultimately received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct matchup between the two teams. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media campaign over several weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been egregious,” the commissioner commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public pushback is especially significant given Bevacqua’s special position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Rumors
Yormark further pointed out the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable attacking the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's strong reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a move highly improbable in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP final last season, have indicated they are declining a bowl game after failing to qualify this season.
