Big 12 Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a strong rebuke, Brett Yormark stated that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we offer significant football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this procedure,” the athletic director said.
The Hurricanes ultimately earned the CFP spot over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the direct contest between the two programs. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media push over several weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Later on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his actions has been out of line,” the commissioner stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public response is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s prominent standing. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Moves
The commissioner further highlighted the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious going after the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's strong reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario unlikely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.
