Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a public criticism, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent comments about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s opportunities to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“They does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial 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 invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC conducted a targeted social media effort over multiple weeks indicating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his behavior has been egregious,” the commissioner stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The criticism is especially striking given Bevacqua’s unique position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Future Rumors
The commissioner also highlighted the lifeline the ACC offered 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,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious going after Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's public reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership unlikely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have stated they are declining a bowl game after missing out this season.
