Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a notable statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would go out of your way to try to hurt us in this process,” the athletic director stated.
The Hurricanes eventually received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the head-to-head matchup between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media push over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been unacceptable,” Yormark stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The pushback is especially significant given Bevacqua’s unique role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner also pointed out the support the ACC offered Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“It has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious going after Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's pointed reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario unlikely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have announced they plan to decline a bowl game after missing out this year.
