Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a public rebuke, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for his criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
Notre Dame has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They does great things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this selection,” the athletic director remarked.
Miami eventually received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the direct matchup between the two programs. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC conducted a targeted social media campaign over several weeks showing its support for Miami.
A Strong Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about 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 method and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public pushback is especially notable given Bevacqua’s prominent role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner also highlighted the support the ACC gave Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“It has been egregious,” he said again. “It’s been egregious criticizing Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, Yormark's public comments on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario unlikely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have announced they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
