Big 12 Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a strong statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent comments about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“They do 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 undermine us in this selection,” the athletic director stated.
The Hurricanes eventually earned the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the direct meeting between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC ran a coordinated social media effort over multiple weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been egregious,” 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.”
This public criticism is especially notable given Bevacqua’s prominent position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Future Rumors
The commissioner further remarked the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its title game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” 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 aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday seem to make such a move highly improbable in the near term.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have announced they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
