Big 12 Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a strong criticism, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent comments targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we provide substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this selection,” the athletic director remarked.
The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the head-to-head matchup between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC ran a coordinated social media push over multiple weeks showing its preference for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his behavior has been egregious,” the commissioner commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The pushback is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s unique position. 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 pointed out the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's strong comments on Tuesday seem to make such a move less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have stated they will decline a bowl game after failing to qualify this season.
