Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a notable statement, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for his comments targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide tremendous football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would go out of your way to try to hurt us in this selection,” the athletic director remarked.
Miami eventually secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the head-to-head contest between the two programs. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC conducted a targeted social media push over several weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his conduct has been unacceptable,” Yormark said. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public pushback is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s unique position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Rumors
Yormark further remarked the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's strong reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a move highly improbable in the near term.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have stated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
