Big 12 Conference Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a notable statement, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They does great things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to hurt us in this procedure,” Bevacqua said.
Miami eventually secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct matchup between the two programs. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC ran a coordinated social media effort over multiple weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his behavior has been out of line,” Yormark commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public response is especially striking given Bevacqua’s unique position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Future Moves
Yormark further remarked the support the ACC gave Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership highly improbable in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they are declining a bowl game after missing out this season.
