Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a notable criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner stated that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent comments about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root 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 contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we offer tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this process,” Bevacqua stated.
Miami ultimately earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the head-to-head contest between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media campaign over several weeks showing its support for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his conduct has been egregious,” Yormark stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The criticism is especially striking given Bevacqua’s special standing. 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 Future Moves
The commissioner also highlighted the lifeline the ACC gave Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been egregious criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's pointed reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they plan to decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.
