Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a public rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public criticisms concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this procedure,” Bevacqua stated.
Miami ultimately secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the direct meeting between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC ran a targeted social media campaign over several weeks showing its preference for Miami.
A Strong Response
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his actions has been out of line,” the commissioner commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The response is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s special 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 Speculative Rumors
The commissioner also pointed out the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's strong reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a move unlikely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they will decline a bowl game after missing out this year.
