Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a notable rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we provide tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to damage us in this procedure,” the athletic director stated.
Miami eventually secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the head-to-head matchup between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media effort over several weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his conduct has been out of line,” the commissioner said. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public pushback is especially notable given Bevacqua’s special standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Speculative Moves
The commissioner also pointed out the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday seem to make such a move unlikely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP final last season, have indicated they are declining a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.
