Big 12 Conference Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a public rebuke, Big 12 chief declared that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They does great things for Notre Dame, but we bring tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this procedure,” the athletic director said.
The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the direct meeting between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been egregious,” the commissioner said. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public response is especially significant given Bevacqua’s unique role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Rumors
The commissioner further pointed out the lifeline the ACC gave Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a full ACC schedule and a berth in its title game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's strong reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have announced they will decline a bowl game after missing out this year.
