Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a notable rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s bid to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this selection,” Bevacqua remarked.
Miami eventually earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the direct matchup between the two teams. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media push over multiple weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his actions has been out of line,” the commissioner said. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public pushback is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s prominent standing. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Future Rumors
Yormark 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.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have announced they will decline a postseason invitation after missing out this year.