Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a public statement, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public criticisms concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
The Fighting Irish has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for 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 provide tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this procedure,” Bevacqua stated.
Miami eventually received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the head-to-head matchup between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media effort over multiple weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Later on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his actions has been egregious,” the commissioner stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public pushback is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s unique position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Moves
The commissioner further remarked the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable going after the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's public reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership highly improbable in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they plan to decline a bowl game after missing out this season.
