Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a strong statement, Big 12 chief asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s bid to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They does great things for Notre Dame, but we provide significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this process,” the athletic director stated.
Miami ultimately received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the direct matchup between the two programs. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC conducted a targeted social media campaign over several weeks showing its support for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been out of line,” the commissioner stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The criticism is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s prominent role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Speculative Rumors
Yormark also pointed out the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable attacking the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's public comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership less likely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they are declining a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.
