Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a notable criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent remarks targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we provide substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to hurt us in this selection,” the athletic director stated.
Miami eventually earned the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the head-to-head meeting between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media effort over several weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his actions has been egregious,” the commissioner commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The criticism is especially notable given Bevacqua’s unique position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Future Rumors
Yormark further remarked the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario less likely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP final last season, have announced they are declining a bowl game after missing out this season.
