Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a notable statement, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to enter the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we provide significant football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this selection,” Bevacqua stated.
The Hurricanes ultimately secured the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the head-to-head matchup between the two programs. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media campaign over several weeks showing its support for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Later on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his conduct has been out of line,” the commissioner commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The pushback is especially significant given Bevacqua’s special role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner further highlighted the support the ACC offered Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious going after the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's public comments on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario less likely in the near term.
The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have announced they plan to decline a bowl game after failing to qualify this season.
