Big 12 Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a strong criticism, Big 12 chief declared that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent comments targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
The Fighting Irish has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this process,” the athletic director remarked.
The Hurricanes ultimately received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the head-to-head matchup between the two schools. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC ran a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his actions has been egregious,” the commissioner commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The pushback is especially striking given Bevacqua’s unique position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Speculative Rumors
Yormark further remarked the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its championship game.
“It has been egregious,” Yormark said again. “It’s been egregious going after Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's strong reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario unlikely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they will decline a bowl game after failing to qualify this season.
