Big 12 Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a strong criticism, Big 12 chief asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
Notre Dame maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They does great things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this selection,” Bevacqua remarked.
The Hurricanes eventually received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the direct contest between the two teams. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC conducted a targeted social media push over several weeks showing its preference for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been out of line,” the commissioner stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public pushback is especially striking given Bevacqua’s prominent position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner also pointed out the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full ACC schedule and a berth in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious attacking Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's public reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a move less likely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP final last season, have indicated they will decline a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
