Big 12 Conference Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a notable criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner stated that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for his criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They does great things for Notre Dame, but we provide substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this process,” the athletic director stated.
Miami eventually earned the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the head-to-head contest between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media push over multiple weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his actions has been unacceptable,” Yormark said. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The criticism is especially notable given Bevacqua’s unique role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Future Rumors
The commissioner also highlighted the support the ACC provided Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been egregious attacking the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's strong comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership unlikely in the near term.
The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they will decline a bowl game after missing out this year.
