Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
At a strong statement, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
Notre Dame maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to damage us in this process,” the athletic director remarked.
The Hurricanes eventually earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the head-to-head matchup between the two teams. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC ran a targeted social media effort over several weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The pushback is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s special role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Future Moves
The commissioner further pointed out the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“It has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's strong reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a move less likely in the near term.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have stated they will decline a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
