Big 12 Conference Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a notable rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner stated that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public comments targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Dispute
Notre Dame has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does wonderful 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 selection,” the athletic director stated.
The Hurricanes eventually received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the head-to-head matchup between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media effort over multiple weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his conduct has been unacceptable,” the commissioner commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public criticism is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s unique standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Speculative Rumors
Yormark further highlighted the support the ACC offered Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's strong comments on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario less likely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP final last season, have announced they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.
