Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a public rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source 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 argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this process,” the athletic director remarked.
The Hurricanes ultimately received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the direct contest between the two schools. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media effort over multiple weeks showing its preference for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his actions has been unacceptable,” the commissioner stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The criticism is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s unique standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Future Rumors
The commissioner also remarked the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark said again. “It’s been egregious criticizing Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership highly improbable in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
