Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
At a public rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public remarks targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we offer tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this selection,” Bevacqua stated.
The Hurricanes ultimately secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the direct contest between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media effort over multiple weeks showing its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his conduct has been unacceptable,” the commissioner commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The pushback is especially striking given Bevacqua’s prominent position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Moves
Yormark further remarked the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its championship game.
“It has been egregious,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's pointed reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership less likely in the near term.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.
