Big 12 Conference Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a notable criticism, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public criticisms concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root 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 chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would go out of your way to try to damage us in this selection,” Bevacqua stated.
The Hurricanes ultimately secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the head-to-head matchup between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC conducted a targeted social media campaign over multiple weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The criticism is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s special 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 also remarked the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its championship game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious going after Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario unlikely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have announced they are declining a bowl game after failing to qualify this season.