Big 12 Conference Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
At a public criticism, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we bring 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 selection,” the athletic director said.
Miami ultimately secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the direct matchup between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media campaign over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his actions has been egregious,” the commissioner stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The criticism is especially notable given Bevacqua’s prominent standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner further pointed out the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a berth in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario unlikely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP final last season, have announced they will decline a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
