Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a notable statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public remarks targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
Notre Dame maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to undermine us in this procedure,” Bevacqua stated.
Miami ultimately secured the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct matchup between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC ran a coordinated social media push over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his conduct has been unacceptable,” 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.”
The criticism is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s prominent standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Moves
Yormark further highlighted the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a berth in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious going after Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership unlikely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP final last season, have indicated they are declining a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.
