Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a strong criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this procedure,” the athletic director stated.
Miami ultimately secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the direct contest between the two schools. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his actions has been unacceptable,” 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.”
This public pushback is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s special role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Future Rumors
The commissioner also pointed out the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario highly improbable in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they plan to decline a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
