Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
At a notable criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for his remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do great 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 selection,” the athletic director stated.
Miami eventually secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two programs. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media campaign over several weeks showing 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,” Yormark said. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The criticism is especially notable given Bevacqua’s special standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Future Rumors
Yormark further pointed out the support the ACC offered Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's public reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have announced they are declining a bowl game after missing out this year.
