Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a notable statement, Brett Yormark stated that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Tension
The Fighting Irish has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we bring 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 procedure,” the athletic director said.
The Hurricanes eventually earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC ran a coordinated social media effort over multiple weeks indicating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his conduct has been egregious,” Yormark commented. “He is totally 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 role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Future Rumors
The commissioner further remarked the support the ACC gave Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's public 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 postseason invitation after missing out this year.
