Big 12 Conference Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a public criticism, Big 12 chief asserted that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish has 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 qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the inclusion 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 go out of your way to try to damage us in this procedure,” the athletic director said.
Miami ultimately received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the direct meeting between the two programs. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC ran a targeted social media campaign over several weeks showing its preference for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his actions has been out of line,” Yormark said. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The criticism is especially significant given Bevacqua’s special role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner further highlighted the support the ACC offered Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark said again. “It’s been egregious going after the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership less likely in the near term.
The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have stated they are declining a bowl game after failing to qualify this season.
