Big 12 Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a strong criticism, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
Notre Dame maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s bid to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this procedure,” Bevacqua said.
The Hurricanes ultimately earned the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the direct meeting between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media effort over multiple weeks indicating its support for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been out of line,” the commissioner commented. “He is completely 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 sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner further pointed out the support the ACC offered Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have stated they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.
