Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a public criticism, Big 12 chief asserted that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
The Fighting Irish has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“They does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this procedure,” Bevacqua said.
The Hurricanes eventually earned the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the head-to-head matchup between the two teams. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media effort over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his behavior has been egregious,” Yormark commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public criticism is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s unique standing. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Future Moves
The commissioner further pointed out the support the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“It has been egregious,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's pointed reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario highly improbable in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they will decline a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
