Big 12 Conference Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a public statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent criticisms targeting 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 other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning 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 procedure,” the athletic director said.
The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct matchup between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC conducted a targeted social media push over several weeks showing its support for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his actions has been egregious,” the commissioner commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public response 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 concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Moves
Yormark further remarked the support the ACC provided Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious attacking Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, Yormark's public comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership less likely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have announced they will decline a bowl game after failing to qualify this year.
