Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a strong statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we bring tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this process,” the athletic director remarked.
Miami eventually secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct matchup between the two teams. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC ran a targeted social media push over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark said. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The criticism is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s special standing. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner also pointed out the support the ACC gave 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 unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's public comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership unlikely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they plan to decline a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
