Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a strong rebuke, Big 12 chief declared that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They does great things for Notre Dame, but we offer significant football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this process,” the athletic director said.
Miami eventually earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the head-to-head contest between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media effort over several weeks indicating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his conduct has been egregious,” Yormark stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public pushback is especially striking given Bevacqua’s prominent standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Moves
The commissioner further highlighted the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, Yormark's pointed reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario less likely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have stated they are declining a bowl game after missing out this season.
