Big 12 Conference Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a strong statement, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for his criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to hurt us in this selection,” the athletic director remarked.
The Hurricanes ultimately earned the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct contest between the two teams. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks indicating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his conduct has been unacceptable,” Yormark commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public pushback is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s prominent standing. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Moves
The commissioner further highlighted the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its championship game.
“It has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's public reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario highly improbable in the near term.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have stated they are declining a bowl game after failing to qualify this season.
