Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a strong statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for his remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to enter the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“They does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide substantial football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would go out of your way to try to undermine us in this selection,” the athletic director said.
The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct contest between the two schools. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media effort over several weeks showing its support for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct 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 criticism is especially striking given Bevacqua’s unique position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Speculative Rumors
Yormark further highlighted the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable going after the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's pointed reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a move highly improbable in the near term.
The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
