Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a public criticism, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Dispute
Notre Dame has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this selection,” Bevacqua remarked.
The Hurricanes ultimately received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct contest between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC ran a targeted social media push over several weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his actions has been out of line,” Yormark commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public criticism is especially 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 independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Moves
The commissioner further highlighted the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious going after Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, Yormark's public reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario highly improbable in the near term.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP final last season, have announced they will decline a bowl game after missing out this year.
