Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a notable rebuke, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
Notre Dame has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we offer tremendous 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 process,” the athletic director stated.
Miami ultimately earned the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the direct contest between the two teams. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media effort over multiple weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his actions has been unacceptable,” Yormark commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public criticism is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s unique standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Rumors
The commissioner also pointed out the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's public reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a move highly improbable in the near term.
The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have announced they plan to decline a bowl game after failing to qualify this year.
