Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a notable statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner stated that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s bid to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial 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,” the athletic director stated.
Miami ultimately earned the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two schools. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC conducted a targeted social media effort over multiple weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been out of line,” 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.”
The response is especially significant given Bevacqua’s prominent role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Future Moves
The commissioner also highlighted the support the ACC gave Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“It has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's public reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a move less likely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP final last season, have announced they plan to decline a bowl game after missing out this year.
