Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a strong criticism, Big 12 chief declared that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public comments targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does great 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 selection,” the athletic director said.
The Hurricanes eventually earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the direct meeting between the two schools. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media push over multiple weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his actions has been out of line,” Yormark said. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public pushback is especially notable given Bevacqua’s special position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Future Rumors
The commissioner also highlighted the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's strong comments on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario unlikely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have stated they will decline a bowl game after missing out this year.
