Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a public statement, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public criticisms concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s bid to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this process,” Bevacqua remarked.
Miami eventually received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct contest between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC ran a coordinated social media effort over multiple weeks showing its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his behavior has been out of line,” Yormark said. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The criticism is especially striking given Bevacqua’s special position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Future Moves
Yormark further remarked the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's public comments on Tuesday seem to make such a move highly improbable in the near term.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they will decline a bowl game after failing to qualify this year.