Big 12 Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a strong criticism, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent criticisms concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would go out of your way to try to hurt us in this selection,” Bevacqua said.
Miami eventually received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the head-to-head matchup between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his actions has been out of line,” the commissioner commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The response is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s prominent position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Rumors
The commissioner further remarked the support the ACC offered Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's public comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership less likely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they will decline a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
