Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a notable criticism, Brett Yormark stated that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
The Fighting Irish maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide 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 stated.
The Hurricanes ultimately received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the direct meeting between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC ran a coordinated social media effort over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his behavior has been out of line,” the commissioner said. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public criticism is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s unique position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Future Moves
The commissioner further pointed out the support the ACC gave Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's public comments on Tuesday appear to make such a move highly improbable in the near term.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have stated they are declining a bowl game after failing to qualify this year.
