Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a public statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this process,” the athletic director said.
The Hurricanes ultimately earned the CFP spot over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the head-to-head matchup between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media effort over several weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his conduct has been unacceptable,” the commissioner said. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public criticism is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s special standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Future Rumors
The commissioner further remarked the support the ACC gave Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” Yormark said again. “It’s been egregious attacking the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's strong reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario highly improbable in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP final last season, have stated they plan to decline a bowl game after missing out this year.
