Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a strong criticism, Brett Yormark stated that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide substantial football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would go out of your way to try to hurt us in this procedure,” the athletic director remarked.
The Hurricanes ultimately secured the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the direct contest between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media campaign over several weeks indicating its support for Miami.
A Strong Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his conduct has been out of line,” the commissioner stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public pushback is especially notable given Bevacqua’s unique standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Moves
Yormark also pointed out the support the ACC provided Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” Yormark said again. “It’s been egregious attacking Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's public reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership less likely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP final last season, have stated they are declining a bowl game after missing out this season.
