Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
At a notable statement, Big 12 chief declared that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public comments targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating 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 stated.
Miami ultimately secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the head-to-head matchup between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media campaign over several weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his conduct has been unacceptable,” the commissioner commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public pushback is especially significant given Bevacqua’s unique standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner further pointed out the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's public reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership less likely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP final last season, have indicated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
