Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a public statement, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Dispute
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial 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 process,” Bevacqua remarked.
The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the direct meeting between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been egregious,” the commissioner stated. “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 response is especially notable given Bevacqua’s special role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Future Rumors
Yormark further pointed out the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference 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 rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario unlikely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP final last season, have announced they will decline a bowl game after missing out this year.
