Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a notable statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public remarks targeting 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 other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s opportunities to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the spot 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 go out of your way to try to undermine us in this selection,” the athletic director said.
Miami eventually secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct meeting between the two schools. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC ran a targeted social media campaign over several weeks indicating its support for Miami.
A Strong Response
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been out of line,” Yormark stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The criticism is especially notable given Bevacqua’s special role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Moves
Yormark further highlighted the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a berth in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been egregious criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a move less likely in the near term.
The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they will decline a postseason invitation after missing out this season.