Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a strong criticism, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
Notre Dame maintains a football scheduling alliance 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 inclusion of the University of Miami.
“They does great things for Notre Dame, but we offer significant football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would go out of your way to try to damage us in this procedure,” the athletic director stated.
Miami eventually secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the direct contest between the two programs. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC ran a targeted social media campaign over multiple weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his behavior has been out of line,” Yormark stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The response is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s special role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Moves
Yormark also remarked the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its championship game.
“It has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been egregious attacking the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership unlikely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
