Big 12 Conference Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a notable criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner stated that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely 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. The AD has claimed that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we offer substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to hurt us in this procedure,” Bevacqua said.
The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the direct meeting between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks showing its preference for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been out of line,” the commissioner stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The response is especially notable given Bevacqua’s prominent standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Future Rumors
Yormark further remarked the lifeline the ACC gave Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario unlikely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP final last season, have announced they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
