Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a notable rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for his remarks 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. The AD has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we offer substantial football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this process,” the athletic director remarked.
Miami eventually received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct matchup between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC ran a targeted social media campaign over several weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
A Strong Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his actions has been unacceptable,” Yormark stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The criticism is especially notable given Bevacqua’s prominent role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Rumors
The commissioner further highlighted the support the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's public comments on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario unlikely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have stated they are declining a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.
