Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a public statement, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for his comments targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC 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 damage us in this procedure,” the athletic director remarked.
Miami ultimately received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the head-to-head contest between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC ran a coordinated social media push over multiple weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his actions has been egregious,” the commissioner said. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public criticism is especially notable given Bevacqua’s special role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Speculative Rumors
Yormark also pointed out the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” Yormark said again. “It’s been egregious going after the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's public comments on Tuesday appear to make such a move unlikely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they are declining a bowl game after missing out this season.
