Big 12 Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a strong statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Dispute
Notre Dame 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 bid to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we bring tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this selection,” Bevacqua said.
Miami eventually secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the direct meeting between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC conducted a targeted social media push over several weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his behavior has been egregious,” Yormark commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public pushback is especially striking given Bevacqua’s special role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Future Moves
Yormark also highlighted the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable attacking the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's strong comments on Tuesday seem 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 postseason invitation after missing out this year.
