Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a notable statement, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this procedure,” the athletic director remarked.
Miami eventually earned the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the head-to-head matchup between the two programs. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC ran a coordinated social media push over multiple weeks showing its preference for Miami.
A Strong Response
Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his actions has been unacceptable,” Yormark said. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The criticism is especially significant given Bevacqua’s prominent standing. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner further pointed out the support the ACC offered Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a berth in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's public comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership unlikely in the near term.
The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.