Big 12 Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a notable statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public comments about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
Notre Dame maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide substantial football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would go out of your way to try to damage us in this process,” the athletic director stated.
The Hurricanes ultimately secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct meeting between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC ran a targeted social media effort over multiple weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
A Strong Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his conduct has been unacceptable,” Yormark stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public response is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s unique position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Rumors
Yormark further highlighted the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its championship game.
“It has been egregious,” Yormark said again. “It’s been egregious criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's strong reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario highly improbable in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have stated they are declining a bowl game after missing out this year.
