Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
At a strong rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner stated that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Dispute
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s bid to make 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 bring tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this procedure,” Bevacqua remarked.
The Hurricanes eventually earned the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct matchup between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media campaign over multiple weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his actions has been egregious,” the commissioner commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The response is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s unique position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Future Moves
The commissioner further pointed out the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“It has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's pointed reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership less likely in the near term.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
