Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a public statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“They does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would go out of your way to try to undermine us in this process,” the athletic director stated.
Miami eventually received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the head-to-head matchup between the two teams. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC ran a coordinated social media campaign over several weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been egregious,” Yormark commented. “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 especially significant given Bevacqua’s unique role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Future Rumors
Yormark also pointed out the lifeline the ACC gave Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 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 going after Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's public reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario highly improbable in the near term.
The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they will decline a bowl game after failing to qualify this season.
