Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
At a public statement, Brett Yormark stated that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Tension
The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this procedure,” the athletic director said.
Miami eventually earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct matchup between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media push over several weeks indicating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his actions has been unacceptable,” the commissioner stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public criticism is especially significant given Bevacqua’s special standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Rumors
The commissioner also highlighted the lifeline the ACC gave Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” he said again. “It’s been egregious going after the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, Yormark's public reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership less likely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP final last season, have stated they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.
