Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
At a notable statement, Big 12 chief declared that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to enter the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They does great things for Notre Dame, but we provide significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this process,” Bevacqua stated.
Miami ultimately secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the head-to-head matchup between the two teams. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks showing its preference for Miami.
A Strong Response
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark said. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public criticism is especially striking given Bevacqua’s prominent position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Rumors
Yormark also pointed out the support the ACC offered Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious going after Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's pointed reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a move highly improbable in the near term.
The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have indicated they will decline a bowl game after missing out this season.
