Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a notable criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Tension
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do 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 procedure,” the athletic director remarked.
Miami ultimately secured the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the direct contest between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media campaign over several weeks showing its preference for Miami.
A Strong Response
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his actions has been egregious,” the commissioner commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public criticism is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s prominent role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Future Moves
Yormark also remarked the support the ACC provided Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's public comments on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario highly improbable in the near term.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP final last season, have stated they will decline a bowl game after missing out this season.
