Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a notable criticism, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent comments about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish 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 opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we provide substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to damage us in this procedure,” Bevacqua stated.
Miami ultimately earned the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two programs. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media campaign over several weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his actions has been out of line,” Yormark commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public pushback is especially notable given Bevacqua’s special position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Speculative Moves
Yormark also highlighted the support the ACC offered Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a berth in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable 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 pointed reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a move highly improbable in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have stated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
