Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a strong statement, Brett Yormark stated that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public comments 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 other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we provide tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this process,” Bevacqua said.
The Hurricanes ultimately earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the head-to-head contest between the two teams. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC conducted a targeted social media campaign over several weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his actions has been egregious,” Yormark stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public pushback is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s special position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Future Rumors
The commissioner also highlighted the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable attacking the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's strong comments on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario highly improbable in the near term.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
