Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a public criticism, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for his comments about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
Notre Dame maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide tremendous 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 stated.
The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media push over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been egregious,” the commissioner stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The criticism is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s unique position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Rumors
Yormark further pointed out the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's strong comments on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario unlikely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have stated they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.
