Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a notable criticism, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for his criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s bid to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we provide substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this selection,” the athletic director remarked.
The Hurricanes eventually received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two teams. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC ran a coordinated social media push over multiple weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his conduct has been unacceptable,” Yormark stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The pushback is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s unique role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner also highlighted the support the ACC provided Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“It has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable attacking Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday seem to make such a move less likely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have stated they will decline a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
