Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a public rebuke, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public remarks targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does great 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 damage us in this process,” the athletic director said.
Miami ultimately earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct contest between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC ran a targeted social media campaign over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his behavior has been egregious,” the commissioner stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The criticism is especially notable given Bevacqua’s prominent role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Future Moves
The commissioner also highlighted the lifeline the ACC gave Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's public comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership unlikely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have stated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
