Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a notable statement, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we provide tremendous football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this process,” the athletic director stated.
The Hurricanes ultimately secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the direct matchup between the two schools. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media push over several weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
A Strong Response
Later on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his actions has been out of line,” Yormark stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The criticism is especially striking given Bevacqua’s prominent role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Future Rumors
The commissioner further pointed out the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable attacking Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's strong reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a move less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they will decline a bowl game after missing out this season.
