Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a notable statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner stated that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide significant football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would go out of your way to try to damage us in this process,” the athletic director stated.
The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the head-to-head matchup between the two schools. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media campaign over several weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his actions has been unacceptable,” Yormark stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public criticism is especially notable given Bevacqua’s special standing. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Speculative Moves
The commissioner also remarked the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“It has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been egregious going after Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they are declining a bowl game after missing out this year.
