Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a strong statement, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his comments targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do wonderful 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 process,” Bevacqua said.
Miami ultimately received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct meeting between the two programs. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC conducted a targeted social media effort over multiple weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Later on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his conduct has been egregious,” the commissioner commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public response 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.
Past Context and Speculative Moves
The commissioner further highlighted the support the ACC provided Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's pointed reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership highly improbable in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have stated they will decline a bowl game after failing to qualify this season.
