Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a notable rebuke, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public remarks targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to damage us in this process,” Bevacqua remarked.
Miami ultimately secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the head-to-head matchup between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC ran a targeted social media campaign over multiple weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
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 behavior has been egregious,” the commissioner stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public pushback is especially notable given Bevacqua’s unique standing. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Future Rumors
The commissioner also remarked the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been egregious attacking the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's strong reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have stated they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.
