Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a strong rebuke, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
Notre Dame has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we provide substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this process,” the athletic director remarked.
Miami eventually received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the head-to-head meeting between the two teams. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC conducted a targeted social media campaign over multiple weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Later on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been unacceptable,” Yormark said. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public response is especially notable given Bevacqua’s special role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner further highlighted the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious going after Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership unlikely in the near term.
The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they are declining a bowl game after missing out this year.
