Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a notable criticism, Brett Yormark stated that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public criticisms concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this procedure,” the athletic director remarked.
Miami eventually secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct meeting between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media campaign over several weeks showing its preference for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his actions has been unacceptable,” the commissioner commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The response is especially notable given Bevacqua’s unique position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Speculative Moves
Yormark further remarked the support the ACC provided Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” he said again. “It’s been egregious criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's pointed reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario less likely in the near term.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they will decline a bowl game after failing to qualify this season.
