Big 12 Conference Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a notable statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent criticisms concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we offer tremendous 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 said.
The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media effort over multiple weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his actions has been unacceptable,” the commissioner stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public response is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s unique role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Moves
Yormark further remarked the support the ACC provided Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its title game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's public reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a move less likely in the near term.
The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have announced they plan to decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.
