Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
At a notable statement, Big 12 chief declared that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public criticisms concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“They does great things for Notre Dame, but we bring tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this procedure,” the athletic director said.
Miami ultimately secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the direct meeting between the two teams. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media push over multiple weeks showing its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his behavior has been egregious,” Yormark stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public criticism is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s prominent position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Rumors
Yormark also highlighted the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious attacking Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's public reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership less likely in the near term.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have stated they plan to decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.
