Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a notable statement, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public remarks targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Tension
The Fighting Irish maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this process,” Bevacqua said.
The Hurricanes eventually received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct meeting between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC ran a coordinated social media effort over several weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
A Strong Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark said. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public pushback is especially significant given Bevacqua’s prominent position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Moves
Yormark also highlighted the support the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“It has been egregious,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a move unlikely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they are declining a bowl game after missing out this season.
