Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a notable rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner stated that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent remarks targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
The Fighting Irish maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do wonderful 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 hurt us in this procedure,” the athletic director said.
The Hurricanes ultimately received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct matchup between the two teams. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media push over several weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Response
Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his behavior has been out of line,” Yormark 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 criticism is especially significant given Bevacqua’s special role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Future Rumors
Yormark further pointed out the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday seem to make such a move less likely in the near term.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have announced they will decline a bowl game after missing out this year.
