Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a strong rebuke, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Tension
The Fighting Irish maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring tremendous football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would go out of your way to try to undermine us in this procedure,” the athletic director said.
The Hurricanes eventually earned the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the head-to-head contest between the two teams. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media effort over multiple weeks showing its preference for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Later 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 egregious,” Yormark commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The response is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s unique role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner also highlighted the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's pointed reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a move highly improbable in the near term.
The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have indicated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this year.