Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a strong rebuke, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Tension
Notre Dame has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this selection,” the athletic director said.
Miami eventually earned the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the direct matchup between the two teams. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media effort over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his conduct has been unacceptable,” Yormark commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public pushback is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s unique position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Future Rumors
The commissioner further remarked the support the ACC provided 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 egregious,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario unlikely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they plan to decline a bowl game after failing to qualify this season.
