Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
At a notable rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner stated that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Tension
Notre Dame has 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 opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we offer significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to damage us in this selection,” the athletic director remarked.
The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the head-to-head contest between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media effort over several weeks indicating its support for Miami.
A Strong Response
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been egregious,” the commissioner commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public response is especially significant given Bevacqua’s prominent role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Speculative Rumors
Yormark further remarked the support the ACC gave Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable attacking Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, Yormark's strong comments on Tuesday appear to make such a move unlikely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have announced they plan to decline a bowl game after missing out this year.
