Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a notable criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
Notre Dame has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s bid to enter the College Football Playoff, instead 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 didn’t understand why you would go out of your way to try to hurt us in this process,” the athletic director stated.
Miami eventually earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the head-to-head contest between the two schools. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media campaign over several weeks showing its preference for Miami.
A Strong Response
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his conduct has been unacceptable,” Yormark commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The pushback is especially striking given Bevacqua’s prominent standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Moves
Yormark also pointed out the lifeline the ACC gave Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” he said again. “It’s been egregious attacking the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario unlikely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they are declining a bowl game after failing to qualify this season.
