Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a public criticism, Big 12 chief asserted that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent criticisms concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring tremendous 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 selection,” Bevacqua stated.
The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the head-to-head matchup between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC conducted a targeted social media effort over multiple weeks indicating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his conduct has been unacceptable,” the commissioner said. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The response is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s special position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Rumors
Yormark further pointed out the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's pointed comments on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario less likely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they plan to decline a bowl game after missing out this year.
