Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a notable statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner stated that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s bid to enter the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to undermine us in this procedure,” the athletic director remarked.
Miami eventually earned the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct meeting between the two teams. Bevacqua also claimed 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 spoke about the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been egregious,” Yormark said. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The response is especially significant given Bevacqua’s prominent position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Past Support 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 conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“It has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious attacking Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a move less likely in the near term.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they are declining a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.
