Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a strong rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring tremendous football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this process,” Bevacqua remarked.
The Hurricanes eventually received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct meeting between the two schools. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC conducted a targeted social media push over several weeks indicating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his actions has been out of line,” Yormark said. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public pushback is especially striking given Bevacqua’s unique role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Moves
The commissioner also remarked the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious attacking Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership unlikely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have stated they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.
