Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a notable criticism, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They does great things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this process,” the athletic director remarked.
Miami ultimately earned the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the direct meeting between the two schools. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media push over several weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his conduct has been unacceptable,” Yormark said. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The criticism is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s prominent role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Future Rumors
Yormark further remarked the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been egregious criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's pointed reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership highly improbable in the near term.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have announced they will decline a bowl game after missing out this season.
