Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a notable rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public comments about 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. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this procedure,” Bevacqua remarked.
The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct contest between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media campaign over several weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been egregious,” Yormark said. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public criticism is especially notable given Bevacqua’s unique standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner further pointed out the lifeline the ACC gave Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark said again. “It’s been egregious criticizing Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's strong reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have stated they will decline a bowl game after missing out this year.
