Big 12 Conference Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a notable criticism, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for his criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to damage us in this process,” Bevacqua said.
Miami eventually secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct matchup between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC ran a targeted social media effort over several weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his behavior has been egregious,” Yormark commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The pushback is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s special role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Future Moves
Yormark further pointed out the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“It has been egregious,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated 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 partnership highly improbable in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they plan to decline a bowl game after failing to qualify this year.
