Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a notable criticism, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his comments targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s opportunities to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we provide 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,” the athletic director stated.
The Hurricanes eventually received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the direct matchup between the two teams. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC conducted a targeted social media campaign over multiple weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark said. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The response is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s unique role. 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 Speculative Rumors
The commissioner also remarked the support the ACC gave Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing 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, the commissioner's strong reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a move unlikely in the near term.
The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they plan to decline a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
