Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
At a strong rebuke, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
Notre Dame has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we offer tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this selection,” the athletic director remarked.
Miami ultimately earned the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the head-to-head meeting between the two schools. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC ran a targeted social media campaign over multiple weeks indicating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his behavior has been out of line,” Yormark commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The criticism is especially significant given Bevacqua’s unique role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Rumors
Yormark also highlighted the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark said again. “It’s been egregious going after the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership unlikely in the near term.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they plan to decline a bowl game after failing to qualify this season.
