Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a strong criticism, Brett Yormark stated that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
Notre Dame maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do 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 undermine us in this process,” the athletic director stated.
Miami ultimately received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the direct contest between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC ran a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
A Strong Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his conduct has been unacceptable,” the commissioner commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public response is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s prominent position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Future Moves
Yormark further pointed out the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark said again. “It’s been egregious attacking the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership highly improbable in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have announced they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this season.