Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a notable criticism, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s bid to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They does great things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this selection,” the athletic director stated.
The Hurricanes ultimately secured the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the direct matchup between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been out of line,” the commissioner stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The 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 concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Speculative Moves
Yormark also remarked the support the ACC gave Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable attacking the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, Yormark's public comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership unlikely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP final last season, have stated they plan to decline a bowl game after missing out this year.
